for Compass NS’s new Neighbourhood to be located in the North End of Halifax on Maitland Street.


Progression

Progression is a consciously created expression of a lived experience in a unique area of Halifax. The vibrant and rich colour playfully captures the liveliness of children having fun and staying cool from the mist of a playground sprinkler. Directly above them are the names of iconic street signs depicting locations of a wider sense of community. There is a movement of both children and adults walking through an array of sunshine brightening their path along the Maitland Street sign on a journey to a new home and happiness. However, for some it is also a homecoming with memories kindled by the historic buildings in the background. Overall the piece showcases the consideration and unique approach to respect and blend the values of the past with an investment in the future.

Artists: Leticia Fraser & Mark Maestro

This artwork piece was created in collaboration with Compass Nova Scotia Co-operative Homes Ltd., 902 ManUp and two local artists to capture the historical perspective and diversity of the Maitland Street Development project 

About the proposed development

Compass Nova Scotia Co-operative Homes Ltd. is the first sector-led housing co-operative in Nova Scotia to provide housing across the province under one governance structure, prioritizing those who have the greatest needs in the communities that they serve.

Compass NS is working with New Commons Development to realize the development of 57 new units of co-operative housing on two lots at its property located at 2095-2219 Maitland Street in Halifax, NS B3K 2Z8. The proposed development will consist of two six-story buildings containing a mix of homes ranging from one to three-bedrooms in size as well as indoor common spaces. The buildings will be accessible for persons with physical disabilities and will be designed and constructed to achieve a high level of energy efficiency while minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts. New Commons Development is a non-profit housing developer that works in partnership with local community organizations to realize their housing goals and deliver lasting community benefit.

The development project has received $1.5 million in funding through the Government of Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS) Federal Lands Initiative (FLI). The Province of Nova Scotia has committed $3 million dollars towards this development as part of their province-wide investments to build more affordable housing units. Additional project financing is being sought through the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s National Housing Co-Investment Fund.

T.A. Scott Architecture has recently submitted an application to the Halifax Regional Municipality for municipal development permits on Compass NS’s behalf. The current municipal zoning for the site, which is located within the Regional Centre Plan Area, allows for the development of multi-family housing. T.A Scott Architecture is a Halifax based firm that utilizes a combination of cutting-edge technology, high ethical standards, inspired creativity, and expertise in construction.

Compass NS wants to ensure that community interest is at the forefront of this process. Compass NS is collaborating with 902 Man Up and United Way to engage with the community.

902 Man Up is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to socio-economic development and empowerment particularly within the black community. The organization takes the initiative to leverage the life experiences of its members for the advancement of all communities at risk of marginalization and exclusion. The ability to engage, the advocacy to be a voice and the commitment to collaborate are all factors that continue to carve out a successful path forward for the group and make positive change happen.

United Way Halifax are advocates, partners, facilitators, and learners. There diverse team represents communities across HRM and brings a variety of talents and perspectives to their work. Their shared values are: trust, respect, compassion, adaptability, and collaboration. Those values guide their work with community partners.

Resources

Town Hall

On August 23, 2021, Compass NS hosted a town hall event facilitated by 902 ManUp. Members of the project team provided presentations on the and were available to hear comments and answer questions from the community.

The project team consists of representatives from Compass NS, The Community Housing Management Network, Commons Development and T.A. Scott Architecture.

Click here to view the presentation slides

With the assistance of the project team Compass NS has answered all of the questions asked in the town hall event

Development location: 2095-2219 Maitland Street, Halifax, NS B3K 2Z8

Development location: 2095-2219 Maitland Street, Halifax, NS B3K 2Z8

Rendering for Maitland Street Development

Rendering for Maitland Street Development

 

Thank you to our funding partners

CMHC has contributed $1.5 million in funding through the Government of Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS) Federal Lands Initiative (FLI). CMHC has also contributed $255,000 in SEED Funding to be used for predevelopment costs.

The Province of Nova Scotia has committed $3 million dollars towards this development as part of province-wide investments to build more affordable housing units.

Compass NS has been successful in obtaining grant funding through the Community Housing Transformation Centre. Funding to help support education, community development, marketing and improved technology.

Thank you to our supporting partners

We sustain, build and grow inclusive housing co-operative communities