‘Much-needed’ seniors complex gets funding in Dartmouth

CITYnews halifax / By Natasha O’Neill

A group of government partners and associations have come together to fund and build 45 new homes in Dartmouth.

The joint venture from the Government of Canada, the Province of Nova Scotia, the Halifax Regional Municipality and Affirmative Ventures Association is investing over $16 million into the project.

The seven-storey, 45 mixed-unit housing project will be located at 139 Main St. in Dartmouth. The development will be a combination of affordable and “much-needed” senior housing, the press release reads.

“The new building is envisioned as part of a continuum of housing and mental health supports, addressing affordable housing needs on the independent living side of the spectrum,” the statement from the Canadian government says.

The project will have 25 affordable units plus 20 units that would be offered for market rent. Some of the homes will be accessible and the community will be close to businesses on Main Street.

New housing coming to Dartmouth for seniors and persons requiring mental health support. (The Government of Canada)

Affirmative Ventres will manage ten units for transitional housing.

“We are now implementing our vision for mental health housing while moving forward at the same time with a mix of housing, a centre for employment training and community-based mental health supports,” Ken Greer Board Chair of Affirmative Ventures, said.

The building will be equipped to support people with a mental health diagnosis, support for seniors, dedicated bike storage and walking distance to Halifax Transit stops.

“These new affordable housing units are going to make a real difference in the Dartmouth area,” Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, said.