Provincial release:
People in Cumberland County will soon have more options for affordable housing, including a new path to affordable home ownership.
The Groves at Hillsdale, a modular home community in Amherst, will have 47 homes when complete. Twenty-eight of them will be sold under a shared ownership model between the buyer and United Way Maritimes, while the other 19 will have affordable monthly rent.
“The Groves at Hillsdale is another way we are helping more Nova Scotians make their dream of home ownership a reality,” said Housing Minister John White. “This partnership between our multiple levels of government and members of our non-profit sector is helping Nova Scotians in the Amherst area secure affordable safe housing both today and for generations to come.”
All levels of government are supporting the project, which the United Way is leading. The Province of Nova Scotia is investing $4,045,815, the Government of Canada is contributing $2,350,000, and the Town of Amherst has provided $639,950 in infrastructure costs to the project. The River Philip Foundation has also provided about $1.7 million to help make The Groves at Hillsdale possible.
The home ownership model is a first for the province. Buyers will not require a down payment, and United Way Maritimes will retain about 30 per cent ownership of the homes. Buyers will enter an agreement with United Way that establishes resale conditions that will ensure these homes remain affordable.
Home purchase costs will range from $127,000 for a one-bedroom home to $182,000 for two bedrooms. Monthly mortgage payments are expected to range from $740 to $1,100.
To be eligible to purchase a home in The Groves at Hillsdale, interested buyersmust:
– have gross annual household income between $50,000 and $80,000
– stable income from employment, Employment Insurance or retirement funds
– be a resident of or work in Cumberland County
– be approved for a mortgage of between $127,000 and $187,500 (based on a 4.95 per cent interest rate) through the Mosaik Credit Union.
Qualified buyers will also require home insurance to be eligible for ownership of a unit.
Rental units at The Groves at Hillsdale are for people with household incomes between $25,800 and $45,000. Rent ranges from $550 to $708 per month for a one-bedroom and is $884 per month for a two-bedroom. Utilities are not included in the rent. The units are 37 square metres (395 square feet) to 55 square metres (592 square feet). Twelve units are complete and will be occupied by February 1.
The Province has also provided $402,500 in financing through the Community Housing Acquisition Program to the Cumberland County Transition House Association, known as Autumn House, to purchase a five-unit building and to maintain these affordable apartments in Amherst.
“It’s exciting to see this project come together, knowing what a positive, real-world impact it’s going to have on the community. It’s the blossoming efforts of a lot of hard work and collaboration, and our government is proud to be working together with partners to make it happen.”
— Alana Hirtle, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester, on behalf of Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
“United Way Maritimes builds communities and creates conditions for people to thrive. We are honoured to work with our philanthropic and development partners, governments and the Cumberland County community to create The Groves – an innovative community that will have positive impacts now and for generations to come.” — Sara Napier, CEO, United Way Maritimes
“Housing affordability is one of the most pressing challenges facing our community, and this project represents a meaningful step forward for Amherst. By bringing together all levels of government and trusted community partners, we’re creating real housing options for local families – homes that are secure, attainable and designed to remain affordable over time. This kind of collaboration is how we build a stronger, more inclusive future for Amherst.”
— Rob Small, Mayor, Town of Amherst
“The River Philip Foundation is pleased to help address the affordable housing problem in Cumberland County, Nova Scotia.”
— Floyd Dykeman, Special Projects, River Philip Foundation
Quick Facts:
– property taxes will range from about $175 to $250 a month, depending on the unit size
-The Groves at Hillsdale units belong to a bare land condominium corporation, and a monthly fee of $120 will cover site maintenance, such as the parking lot and lighting, as well as landscaping
– utilities are the responsibility of the homeowner, but with a small footprint and energy efficient appliances, these costs are expected to be reasonable
– the deed transfer tax and legal fees related to the sale will apply
– pets are allowed at The Groves at Hillsdale
Additional Resources:
More information about The Groves at Hillsdale is available at: https://www.unitedwaycolchester.ca/the-groves-at-hillsdale/
Department of Growth and Development housing programs: https://beta.novascotia.ca/housing-programs-department-growth-and-development
News release – Housing Plan Progress Exceeds Targets in First Year: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2025/02/24/housing-plan-progress-exceeds-targets-first-year
Build Canada Homes: https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/bch-mc/index-eng.html
