Province buying 25 modular homes for people displaced by wildfires to rent

CITYnews halifax \ By Dan Ahlstrand

The province of Nova Scotia says they will spend 7.4 million dollars to purchase 25 fully furnished modular homes for people who have lost their homes in the wildfire to rent.

“People who suddenly lost their homes or suffered significant damage need housing now, and we have been working urgently with our partners to come up with affordable housing options that allow people to stay in their communities,” said Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Lohr. “These modulars will provide a safe and comfortable space for people who need them as they work through the trauma of losing their home and the stress of possibly rebuilding or repairing.”

Kent Homes will supply and install the homes. Residents can have 2 or 3-bedroom homes built in their properties while their burned-out homes are rebuilt. The province says it is also looking to find vacant land to build the modular homes on.

The province says the rents will range from about $1,000 to $2,000 monthly, administered by the Nova Scotia Provincials Housing Agency, and the Canadian Red Cross will offer referrals and rent support if needed. The rents will be based on people’s circumstances, such as location and insurance status, and the leases will be month to month to ensure flexibility.

“Since the beginning of the wildfire disaster in Nova Scotia, the Canadian Red Cross has been there to assist impacted individuals and families in a variety of ways. Now, thanks to the generosity of our donors across the country, this commitment will include our Personalized Recovery and Interim Housing Support program. We encourage people impacted by the fires to reach out to the Red Cross to see how we may be able to support them in their journey to recovery.” said  Bill Lawlor, interim Vice-President Atlantic Canada, Canadian Red Cross

More information on the Red Cross program is available here.

Detailed drawings of the homes are available here.