The Wheelhouse Motel in Lunenburg, NS is set to be converted into 11 units for healthcare workers. Photo: Evan Taylor.
LUNENBURG, Nova Scotia — In a significant move to address the housing shortage for healthcare workers, the Nova Scotia government announced that it has acquired the former Wheelhouse Motel in Lunenburg. This property will be transformed into mixed-income housing, with the aim of providing accessible accommodation for healthcare workers in the region.
Under the umbrella of the $20-million housing for healthcare initiative, this site represents the first step towards fulfilling the province’s commitment to expand housing options for healthcare professionals, particularly in areas where the need is most acute.
The development plan for the Lunenburg site includes the creation of 10 to 12 one-bedroom units, as well as the construction of six townhouses designed to accommodate healthcare workers with families. The Housing Trust of Nova Scotia is overseeing funding and logistical aspects of this initiative. Currently in the design phase, the project is yet to select contractors and other suppliers, with further details to be unveiled in due course.
“We need more professionals for our healthcare system, and that means attracting people from across Canada and around the world to our province. Having available housing in places outside Halifax Regional Municipality is key to attracting much-needed staff and keeping them here,” said Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness.
Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Lohr expressed the government’s commitment, saying, “We made a promise to Nova Scotians that we would deliver more housing options for healthcare workers in communities that need it the most, and today we are delivering on our promise. These sites are close to healthcare facilities and amenities and will ensure healthcare workers have housing options available so they can deliver critical health services to our communities.”
Housing Minister John Lohr chatting with Lunenburg MLA Susan Corkum-Greek at the Wheelhouse Motel which the province will be converting into housing for healthcare workers. Photo: Evan Taylor.
The South Shore was identified as one of the regions in urgent need of housing for healthcare professionals through extensive consultations with stakeholders and other government departments. Other regions identified for similar initiatives include Sydney, Cumberland, Antigonish, Guysborough, Inverness, and Colchester.
“The Housing Trust is pleased to be a partner on this initiative that will address two pressing social issues – the shortage of housing for healthcare and other skilled workers, and the availability of affordable housing for working households. Our residents are diverse; however, our primary focus is on providing housing options for low- and moderate-income working households and in this program, creating places that will help retain important members of the workforce in communities throughout Nova Scotia,” said Angela Bishop, Executive Director, Housing Trust of Nova Scotia.
This initial phase of the project involves a total investment of $4.7 million, with $1.5 million allocated for the purchase of the Lunenburg property, $1.4 million for renovations, and $1.8 million for the construction of six modular townhouses.
The Housing Trust aims to complete renovations and have tenants in the Lunenburg building by July/August 2024. Rent will follow a mixed-income model, with varying rates based on professions, such as doctors paying more than nurses. This project was prioritized as the first of its kind under the $20 million funding initiative due to its readiness, willing sellers, alignment with zoning requirements, and proximity to essential amenities like schools and hospitals.
