How did we get to this point? Over the past 30 years, all provincial governments have reduced investment or growth in social and community services. The current situation is a culmination of a lack of investment, and planning. HRM and Nova Scotia are facing an affordability crisis as much as a housing shortage. The shortage is in the diversity of housing stock, which is affected by social and economic factors.
Not only do we need to work on housing needs but also on adapting to climate change, the need for urban natural environments in greenspaces, and food security.
It is incumbent upon Regional Council to ensure quality in municipal planning, programing and services. By making intelligent policy choices, Regional Council can ensure that municipal health remains of high quality.
-Direct the planning department to review zoning and ensure an increase in allowed social housing via non-profits, land trusts and co-ops. Funding in the form of municipal property tax credits could be used to lower costs or assist in purchasing the large quantity of building supplies needed for construction.
- Expand zoning and building grants to meet the growing needs for childcare facilities in the downtown core.
- Direct staff to work towards zero encampments by 2026 and request the Federal Government to step in to provide real shelter.
- Create a policy for climate-safe and sustainable building materials in the creation of temporary, transitional and permanent housing.
- Improve public health and safety for encampment sites and surrounding areas
- Encourage transit use and expand access to transit
- Citizens need access to services, not just housing, and HRM has an above-average rate of food security issues compared to the rest of Canada. I want to strengthen the JustFOOD Action Plan and work with other local and provincial governments to bring better access to local products.