The federal government has announced the addition of two properties to the Canada Public Land Bank as part of its ambitious national housing plan, aiming to address the pressing issue of housing shortages. The announcement details plans to convert these properties, whenever possible, through long-term leases to support affordable housing, ensuring they remain under public ownership.
The two newly added properties are located in Nova Scotia, namely the New Glasgow Armoury and Shannon Park in Dartmouth. Shannon Park is particularly noteworthy, with plans to develop it as a neighborhood featuring 3,000 residential units, 600 of which will be dedicated to affordable housing. This initiative is part of the government's broader strategy to tackle the growing demand for housing across Canada.
The New Glasgow Armoury has been closed since 2016 due to its deteriorated state. Lisa MacDonald, the Chief Administrative Officer of New Glasgow, expressed optimism about the site’s potential due to its central downtown location. "It could be an ideal location for mixed-use development, which would offer commercial opportunities on the ground floor and residential units above," MacDonald told CBC's Mainstreet Nova Scotia.
MacDonald highlighted the challenges New Glasgow faces, stating, “We do have a housing shortage right now,” pointing to the community’s need for diverse housing options, including low-income, affordable, and upscale residences. Further elaboration revealed the urgent necessity to improve the condition of rental properties, many of which are inadequate for living.
Meanwhile, across the border, Restoration Urban Ministries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to aiding the homeless, faces its own challenging circumstances. Founded 32 years ago, the organization has provided transitional housing, job support, childcare, and addiction recovery services. Due to recent funding shortfalls, Rev. Ervin Williams, the founder, signaled the suspension of their transitional housing program, stating, “Literally just close ... and this will give us time to reevaluate.” Historically, the organization counts on financial support during the holiday season, but without adequate funding this year, its future remains uncertain.
To counteract these challenges, the ministry is hosting the “Coldest Night of the Year” fundraising event, inviting community members to walk and raise money, with the goal of $20,000.
Looking internationally, Nigeria’s Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, spoke at the Real Estate Future Forum in Riyadh, where he highlighted the nation’s considerable housing deficit. With over 20 million housing units needed, Dangiwa underscored this deficit as both a challenge and opportunity for transformative change. He encouraged public-private partnerships (PPP) as key to addressing this shortfall and noted the government’s aim of constructing around 500,000 housing units annually over the next decade.
Dangiwa pointed to the government's Renewed Hope Cities and Estates Programme — which aims to deliver 100,000 housing units — and highlighted plans for comprehensive social housing targeting vulnerable groups across Nigeria's 774 local government areas.
On the defense front, Amb. Gabriel Aduda, the newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence, has also committed to improving housing for military personnel. During his familiarization visit to the Defence Headquarters, he outlined efforts to address the housing deficit within the armed forces. “I am already having meetings ... to see how we can have the armed forces ... enjoy stronger welfare provisions,” Aduda noted.
He indicated potential initiatives could include establishing mortgage finance options for military personnel, similar to programs already available for civil servants, ensuring they have housing not only during service but after retirement as well.
Lastly, Minister of National Defence Bill Blair announced significant developments during the opening of a new accommodations facility at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden. This facility is part of government efforts to address housing shortages among military personnel and their families. Blair revealed plans for the construction of 668 new residential units and the renovation of over 600 others across Canada, aimed at improving the living conditions for those serving the country.
“Today we mark the beginning of a significant step forward in addressing the needs of those who serve our country,” stated Lt.-Gen. Lise Bourgon, Commander of Military Personnel Command, during the opening ceremony. Blair acknowledged the importance of such investments, noting recruiting challenges faced by the Canadian Armed Forces, and how improved living conditions could help attract and retain necessary personnel.
These various initiatives, from national plans to local programs, highlight the urgency and complexity of addressing housing shortages across communities, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts between governments, organizations, and citizens to make progress.