Future Neighbourhoods

Compass Nova Scotia Co-operative Homes Ltd. is the first sector-led housing co-operative in Nova Scotia to provide housing across the province under one governance structure, prioritizing those who have the greatest needs in the communities that they serve.

Compass NS is working with New Commons Development to realize the development of 57 new units of co-operative housing on two lots at its property located at 2095-2219 Maitland Street in Halifax, NS B3K 2Z8. The proposed development will consist of two six-story buildings containing a mix of homes ranging from one to three-bedrooms in size as well as indoor common spaces. The buildings will be accessible for persons with physical disabilities and will be designed and constructed to achieve a high level of energy efficiency while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts. New Commons Development is a non-profit housing developer that works in partnership with local community organizations to realize their housing goals and deliver lasting community benefit.

The development project has received $1.5 million in funding through the Government of Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS) Federal Lands Initiative (FLI). The Province of Nova Scotia has committed $3 million dollars towards this development as part of their province-wide investments to build more affordable housing units. Additional project financing is being sought through the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s National Housing Co-Investment Fund.

T.A. Scott Architecture has recently submitted an application to the Halifax Regional Municipality for municipal development permits on Compass NS’s behalf. The current municipal zoning for the site, which is located within the Regional Centre Plan Area, allows for the development of multi-family housing. T.A Scott Architecture is a Halifax based firm that utilizes a combination of cutting-edge technology, high ethical standards, inspired creativity, and expertise in construction.

Compass NS wants to ensure that community interest is at the forefront of this process. Compass NS is collaborating with 902 Man Up and United Way to engage with the community.

902 Man Up is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to socio-economic development and empowerment particularly within the black community. The organization takes the initiative to leverage the life experiences of its members for the advancement of all communities at risk of marginalization and exclusion. The ability to engage, the advocacy to be a voice and the commitment to collaborate are all factors that continue to carve out a successful path forward for the group and make positive change happen.

United Way Halifax are advocates, partners, facilitators, and learners. Their diverse team represents communities across HRM and brings a variety of talents and perspectives to their work. Their shared values are: trust, respect, compassion, adaptability, and collaboration. Those values guide their work with community partners.

On August 23, 2021, Compass NS hosted a town hall event facilitated by 902 ManUp. Members of the project team provided presentations on the project and were available to hear comments and answer questions from the community.

The project team consists of representatives from Compass NS, CHF Canada, The Community Housing Management Network, New Commons Development and T.A. Scott Architecture.

With the assistance of the project team Compass NS has answered all of the questions asked in the town hall event