Housing in Our Communities
Our communities are facing a number of housing needs, and we want to support all members of our community to understand the opportunities that exist for action. Our current housing needs require action from all levels of government, business, community groups, and individuals.
Supporting Homeowners to Create Affordable Housing Options
On March 21st, 2024, more than 100 community members joined us to learn more about various programs available to homeowners to support the development of housing options. Representatives from a number of organizations were present to share their needs and programs. Testimonials were shared by homeowners who homeshare. A networking event was held to allow residents to ask questions about their specific interests and needs. It was a great event!
The presentation slides shared at the March 21st Community Housing Information Session are available below.
Learn More: Housing Programs & Services
The programs available to support the creation of affordable housing options that were highlighted at the March 21st session were the Nova Scotia Secondary and Backyard Housing Incentive Program from the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Happipad, NSCC Lunenburg Student Housing Program, and the Atlantic Canada Language Academy Homestay Program. More information about these programs is available below.
NS Secondary and Backyard Housing Incentive Program
Provides funding to help you create an apartment in your home or create a tiny home on your property.
Contact:
Murielle Toole
Murielle.Toole@novascotia.ca
Website:
https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-funding-build-secondary-or-backyard-suite-your-property-secondary-and-backyard-suite-incentive-program
HappiPad
A home sharing program that invites you to ‘rent’ out a spare bedroom in your home.
Contact:
Keith Black
keith.b@happipad.com
Website:
https://happipad.com/nova-scotia/
NSCC Housing & Student Life
NSCC Housing & Student Life provides off-campus housing resources and information to students about renting in their living community. It is the students’ responsibility to secure their own accommodations. For more information visit NSCC’s Housing Webpage at: Housing | NSCC or contact the Housing & Transition Coordinator at housing@nscc.ca
Contact:
Housing & Transition Coordinator
housing@nscc.ca
Website:
https://www.nscc.ca/study-at-nscc/housing/index.asp
Atlantic Canada Language Academy HomeStay Program
Houses students enrolled in their programs.
Contact:
Rosalind Miller
rosalind@studyatlantic.com
Website:
https://studyatlantic.com/accommodation/
Helpful Contacts & Community Resources
The following resource people participated by sharing information and resources at the March 21 Session.
Community Members who Homeshare
Fay Patey
fay.patey@gmail.com
Chris Andrews
chrisandrews2015@outlook.com
United Way of Lunenburg County
Contact:
Michael Graves
Michael@lunenburgcounty.unitedway.ca
Website:
https://www.lunenburgcounty.unitedway.ca/
Municipal Affairs & Housing, Grants & Programs
Contact:
Jennifer MacIntyre
Jennifer.MacIntyre@novascotia.ca
Website:
https://housing.novascotia.ca/programs-and-services
Town of Bridgewater Planning Department
By-Laws and things you may need to know: Planners from Town/County regarding zoning/building code/fire; etc.
Contact
Connor MacQuarrie
Connor.MacQuarrie@bridgewater.ca
Website:
https://www.bridgewater.ca/town-services/planning/land-use-planning
Municipality of the District of Lunenburg Planning Department
By-Laws and things you may need to know: Planners from Town/County regarding zoning/building code/fire; etc
Contact:
Reid Shepherd
reid.shepherd@modl.ca
Website:
https://www.modl.ca/planning.html
Energize Bridgewater
Information about energy home upgrades
Contacts:
Meghan Doucette
meghan.doucette@bridgewater.ca
Josie Rudderham
josie.rudderham@bridgewater.ca
Website:
https://www.energizebridgewater.ca/
Clean Foundation
Information about home energy upgrades
Contact:
Matthew Harvey
mharvey@cleanfoundation.ca
Nova Scotia Residential Tenancies Program
Contact:
Genna Squires
Genna.Squires@novascotia.ca
Jade Stuckey
Jade.Stuckey@novascotia.ca
Website:
https://beta.novascotia.ca/programs-and-services/residential-tenancies-program
Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce
For contractors & tradespeople resources, coordinated by the supported by Rhyno’s
Contacts:
Jennifer Naugler, Executive Director
jennifer@bridgewaterchamber.com
Rae Anne Bonnville, President
pres@bridgewaterchamber.com
Income Tax & Accounting
For information about what you should consider if you are interested in homesharing or creating a rental in your home or on your property
Contact:
Jane Zwaagstra of Books ‘n More Business Services
booksnmorecpb@gmail.com
Town of Bridgewater Community Navigator
Contact:
navigator@bridgewater.ca
Website:
https://www.bridgewater.ca/our-town/new-prospective-residents
South Shore Housing Action Coalition
A coalition of community organizations and individuals working to build awareness and facilitate action on the need for healthy, safe and affordable housing options across Lunenburg and Queens Counties.
Contact:
sshousingaction@gmail.com
Website:
http://sshac.ca
The March 21st Community Housing Information Session was made possible through a collaboration of organizations and departments and their representatives that included:
- Town of Bridgewater: Donna Hatt, Connor MacQuarrie, and Rebecca Baccardax
- Municipality of the District of Lunenburg: Dave Waters, Reid Shepherd, and Jacob MacPherson
- South Shore Housing Action Coalition: Nancy Green
- United Way Lunenburg County: Michael Graves
- Bridgewater & Area Chamber of Commerce: Rae Ann Bonneville and Jennifer Naugler
- NS Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing: Jennifer MacIntyre and Murielle Toole
- NSCC Lunenburg Campus: Craig Collins, Chauncy Kennedy, and Kaileigh Skinner
- HappiPad Nova Scotia: Keith Black and Cailan Libby
- Energize Bridgewater: Meghan Doucette and Josie Rudderham
- Seniors Safety Coordinator: Lisa Bennett
- Michelin: Adam Masland
- Nova Scotia Health: Martha Marchand
- DORA Construction Limited: Paula Davison
South Shore Housing Action Coalition 