Submit your questions about this new affordable housing development and check back here for answers!
How is Water & Wastewater Servicing being handled?
Freedom Way will use decentralized, on-site wastewater and groundwater systems tailored to local conditions:
- 20 individual sloping sand filter septic systems will provide on-site wastewater treatment for the proposed development. Designed by Able Engineering in accordance with Nova Scotia Environment (NSE) requirements, these systems utilize conventional sloping sand filter technology to achieve effective effluent treatment while maintaining long-term reliability and straightforward maintenance. Each system has been sited to respect all required setbacks from wells, wetlands, and adjacent property boundaries, ensuring regulatory compliance and minimizing environmental impact. (Updated Feb 24)
- Potable water will be supplied from a fractured-bedrock aquifer and treated through a centralized water treatment and distribution system. Fracflow Ltd. is leading a four-well test drilling and hydrogeological program to evaluate groundwater yield, aquifer capacity, seasonal fluctuation, and recharge potential. Water quality sampling and analysis will inform a conceptual treatment plan capable of reliably serving all 150 homes.
What are the Accessibility, Design & Site Infrastructure standards?
The 150 townhouses will be organized as connected multi-unit row buildings that balance density with livability. Building forms and layouts will prioritize energy efficiency, durability, and contemporary design, while site planning will support walkability, green space, and intuitive access to on-site water and wastewater systems.
Internal private roadways, sidewalks, parking, and landscaped buffers will create a safe, coherent circulation network for vehicles and pedestrians. A centralized water treatment facility, distribution piping, and stormwater management infrastructure will be integrated into the overall site plan. Stormwater features will be designed to respect natural drainage patterns, help maintain existing hydrology, and protect surrounding ecosystems.
What steps are being taken to protect the environment
Environmental protection is a core principle of the Freedom Way development. Well and septic locations will be carefully sited to protect mapped wetlands and groundwater resources. Ongoing groundwater monitoring during construction will help ensure that aquifer performance and water quality remain stable.
Low-impact development measures, such as vegetated swales and infiltration zones, will be used where feasible to manage runoff, promote infiltration, and reduce stress on the natural environment. Compliance with all applicable provincial and federal standards will guide design decisions from early planning through to construction.
What provisions will be made for EV charging?
The site is future-proofed, with ample power to each unit to allow for EV chargers. Chargers will be considered on a case-by-case basis, rather than installed in every unit.
Will electric, cable, and telephone services be located above ground or underground?
Services will be underground.
Will rooftops be compatible with solar panels?
Yes, the roof is compatible with solar panels.
What are the plans for snow clearing and removal?
THe property will have a contractor for snow removal.
Will each unit have dedicated and designated parking? Indoor or outdoor?
Every unit will have dedicated parking, some are indoor, some outdoor, depending on the unit configuration.
How will garbage collection be managed? Will garbage and recycling be placed curbside in front of each unit, or will there be a central collection point?
There will be a central point for garbage (like in an apartment).
Will there be an on-site superintendent?
Yes, there will be an on-site superintendent.
Has a traffic study been initiated, and have HRM and the Province been engaged?
There is a Traffic Impact study for this site, and it has been approved by Nova Scotia Public Works.
Will the development include sidewalks, walking/bicycle paths, and crosswalks such that residents can safely access the services and core of Porters Lake?
Yes, the development includes sidewalks. Part of the attraction for this site as a mixed market/affordable project is the proximity to the services, schools and Metro X.
All these developments in the area will add to both car and foot traffic. What is going to be done to manage traffic and keep pedestrians safe? How can we be sure that government and community services (like community centres) and private services (groceries, shopping, services) keep up?
If this development starts this year, it will not be ready for occupancy for 2-3 years, and will likely be built in phases over a number of years. This gives both the government and the private sector time to make needed changes and improvements to accommodate more residents and taxpayers
Who will own these units, and who is paying for the affordable housing?
The not-for-profit organization, Hope for Homes, will own and operate the housing. The development is what they call “mixed market affordable” with different rents from very low to moderate. The lack of a profit motive, combined with longer-term mortgages (up to 50 years) and some loan forgiveness each year when affordable housing targets are met all contribute to the lower rents.
Who will be living in this housing?
These affordable housing units are less expensive than market rent, but not all are deeply affordable and provide no supports or on-site services. Residents will be able to live independently and be capable of navigating a regular lease and enter into a normal landlord/tenant relationship. This is simply less expensive housing with a clientele of people who don’t require supports and find it hard to find suitable housing in this overheated market.