Affordable housing in Halifax needs revolutionary change, advocates say

Advocates told a municipal committee Thursdaythat Halifax needs revolutionary change when it comes to creating moresocial and affordable housing.

"We virtually have had no new social housing built in Halifaxsince 1993," said Kaisa Tota, a community planner.

The Housing and Homelessness Partnership estimatesthat 20 percent of Halifax's population can't afford average rents.

3,000 units

"We need to preserve what we have and build 3,000 new units over the next five years," said Max Chauvin, chair of the partnership.

Coun.Waye Mason, who chairs Halifax's Community Planningand Economic Development Committee, lamented the loss of theHarbour City housing.

• Harbour City Homes says it can't afford to maintain Halifax properties

"We are making a mistake letting that stock go," said Mason."We have a crisis and we need to act."

Coun.Jennifer Watts said some municipal rulesneed to change.

"We're looking to redevelop the former St. Pat's High." Watts said."And there's no ability for us right now to have an affordable housingrequirement."

North end demolition ironic, group says

An official with the Ecology Action Centre says discussion aboutthe need to preserve affordable housing is ironic in light of the destructionof some north end properties to make way for a larger car dealership.

• Steele Auto Group's Halifax Honda dealership demolition begins

"It's really contrary to the direction we should be going," said Tristan Cleveland.

Presentation to council

The committee asked the affordable housing advocates to returnto city hall and make their presentation to the regional council.

Meanwhile the Housing and Homelessness Partnership hopesto have three apartment units available by this fall for people whocannot use traditional shelters.

Right now there are no options forhomeless families who want to stay together, people with disabilitiesand those who identify as transgender.