Submit your questions about this new affordable housing development and check back here for answers!
Where does the project sit in the permitting and approvals process? When is construction anticipated to start? Is the plan going to change?
The development has building permits and is ready to start. The plan is not expected to change, though exterior finishes and landscaping can change. The next step to ensure affordable housing is to confirm funding from Build Canada Homes, the new federal program that is just being set up now.
How is Water & Wastewater Servicing being handled?
The project will use decentralized, on-site wastewater and groundwater systems tailored to local conditions:
- Individual Waterloo Wire Mesh Basket septic systems will provide advanced on-site wastewater treatment. Designed by Able Engineering to meet Nova Scotia Environment (NSE) regulations, these systems are intended to maximize treatment efficiency, minimize maintenance, and reduce environmental disturbance. System locations will respect all required setbacks from wells, wetlands, and property boundaries.
- 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 be used to determine the design of a water treatment plant capable of providing clean water to all the homes.
What are the Accessibility, Design & Site Infrastructure standards?
The 167 townhouses will be built as connected rows of homes. This layout increases the number of homes while still keeping them comfortable to live in. The buildings will be designed to save energy, last a long time, and look modern. The site will be planned to make it easy to walk, enjoy green spaces, and reach the on-site water and wastewater systems.
Private roads, sidewalks, parking areas, and planted buffer zones will create a safe and simple system for cars and people to move around.
There will be sidewalks and
This development integrates inclusive design and sustainability as core principles. Barrier-free common areas and over 31% of residential units are fully accessible, meeting or exceeding recognized accessibility standards.
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.
A central water treatment plant, pipes, and stormwater systems will be part of the site plan. The stormwater features will follow the natural flow of water, help keep the local water cycle stable, and protect nearby plants and wildlife.
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.