Realtor’s Perspective: Addressing the Housing Crisis in Nova Scotia
By Sherry MacLeod Managing Broker of Cape Breton Realty As a Realtor, I believe our profession needs to be more actively involved in addressing the housing crisis. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has issued a concerning revelation: Canada needs to more than double its housing construction over the next several years to address the pressing housing shortage. This nationwide challenge demands a collaborative and innovative approach from all levels of government, industry stakeholders, and community members to drive meaningful change and create sustainable solutions. At the provincial level, Nova Scotia has taken proactive steps to address the housing shortage and attract skilled tradespeople to the region. The province offers incentives to encourage tradespeople to move here, recognizing the vital role they play in addressing the housing crisis. These incentives not only aim to attract skilled workers but also contribute to the growth and sustainability of the local workforce, fostering a vibrant and dynamic community. Furthermore, Nova Scotia has introduced up to $40,000 incentive for building granny suites, providing an opportunity for homeowners to create additional housing units and contribute to the expansion of affordable housing options. This initiative not only addresses the housing shortage but also supports multi-generational living