Non-profit group in Dartmouth secures funding for affordable apartments

An apartment building going up in Dartmouth, N.S., is expected to be available early next year with some of the 45 units to be offered at more than 35 per cent below market rates.

The Nova Scotia government released details Friday of $16 million in funding for the non-profit group Affirmative Ventures to complete the project.

The bulk of the money, about $11.8 million, comes from the federal government through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. The province is providing a forgivable loan of about $4.7 million and Halifax Regional Municipality is contributing $162,636.

Ken Greer, the board chair of Affirmative Ventures, said the project was envisioned 10 years ago, before the current housing crunch.

"Now it's kind of dovetailing with this massive community need around housing, and certainly at this time there is a significant need for reduced market rents," Greer said.

Affirmative Ventures focuses on supporting people who have mental health needs and developmental disabilities. The group runs several social enterprises and has a 10-unit apartment complex for its clients.

Greer said its existing housing development operates on a "mentored living" model, where tenants support each other while living independently. He said it will be similar in the new development, to be located on Main Street.

Units reserved for seniors, people with disabilities

Some units will be designated for seniors and some for people with developmental disabilities, but some will have more open-ended criteria.

At least 25 of the units will be affordable, with monthly rent going for $850 for a one-bedroom and $1,000 for a two-bedroom.

As of last fall, the average market rate for Halifax, according to data from CMHC, was $1,323 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,628 for a two-bedroom.

"We, as a board, are certainly pushing for all the units to have as much affordability as we can," said Greer.

Opening next year

The main floor of the building will have some offices for Affirmative Ventures and its social enterprises, with apartments in the floors above.

The foundation and first level of the four-storey apartment building are already built, and Greer said he expects construction to be complete by the start of next year.

Affirmative Ventures is also working on a 35-unit apartment complex on Karen Drive in Dartmouth, which Greer said could offer one-bedroom units for $560, and two bedrooms for $750.

That project is approved for development. Greer said Affirmative Ventures is now waiting on securing funding.