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Understanding Halifax’s housing challenges
Halifax is undergoing a significant transformation as it grapples with a historic housing demand. The skyline is dotted with cranes, symbolizing the city’s commitment to development. However, the future of Halifax is not solely about erecting highrises; it’s about creating vibrant communities that cater to the needs of a growing population.
Urban planners and developers are increasingly focusing on green fields and underutilized spaces to construct new neighborhoods designed to accommodate tens of thousands of new residents.
Innovative planning for sustainable communities
Rob LeBlanc, the planning director at Fathom Studio, emphasizes the importance of sustainable development.
His team is currently engaged in master planning approximately 65,000 housing units across Atlantic Canada, with Moncton alone proposing 16,000 units. Major projects like Bedford Common, which plans for 6,800 homes, and Exhibition Park, with potential for 5,000 units, are just a glimpse into Halifax’s ambitious Centre Plan.
This blueprint aims to manage growth and foster high-density communities that are not merely places to live but complete neighborhoods equipped with schools, grocery stores, and daycare facilities.
The long road ahead for housing relief
Despite the grand vision, the timeline for these developments is extensive.
LeBlanc warns that it could take 10 to 15 years to make a significant impact on the current housing crisis. For many potential homeowners and renters, the wait for affordable housing remains a source of frustration. Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore acknowledges that while new communities are essential, they represent only one piece of the puzzle.
He stresses the need for expedited approvals, unlocking low-cost land, and embracing innovative construction methods, such as modular homes, to address the pressing housing shortage.
Current housing market realities
The statistics paint a concerning picture: the average home price in Halifax has surpassed $550,000, and rents have increased by over $600 in the past decade.
Although the city’s vacancy rate has risen to two percent, the availability of affordable units is alarmingly low, effectively sitting at just one percent. As Halifax continues to evolve, the challenge remains: how to ensure that the city’s growth does not come at the expense of affordability for its residents.
