PICTOU, NS, March 20, 2026 /CNW/ - Far too many Canadians are struggling to find homes they can afford. Solving Canada's housing crisis requires immediate action to bring down costs, cut red tape, and build homes more quickly. The Government of Canada is stepping up with a bold new approach to build affordable housing across the country.
Central to that work, the Government of Canada has launched Build Canada Homes, which is helping increase the pace of affordable homebuilding. Build Canada Homes is also helping fight homelessness by building transitional and supportive housing – working with provinces, territories, municipalities, and Indigenous communities. It is building deeply affordable and community housing for low-income households, and partnering with private market developers to build affordable homes for the Canadian middle class.
As part of the Government of Canada's broader efforts to respond to the housing crisis, investments are being made across the housing continuum to respond to the needs of communities across Canada.
Today, the federal government, along with the Province of Nova Scotia, announced over $13 million in combined funding to help build 41 secure, rental homes in Pictou. The announcement took place at the site of the Pictou Beeches project, a 27-unit housing development located on the harbour in Pictou, Nova Scotia. The project will offer a range of unit sizes, including a high proportion of family-sized homes, as well as select fully accessible units. The project is targeting net-zero ready status and will incorporate sustainable features such as rooftop photovoltaic panels.
In addition, funding was announced for Stonehouse Manor, a co-operative housing project located in downtown Pictou. The 132-year-old historic building will be converted into 15 residential units, offering a mix of one- and two-bedroom homes.
Also highlighted today is Pictou's success in meeting their Housing Accelerator Fund commitments and exceeding housing unit targets. Through the program, Pictou proposed an ambitious plan and recently received its third installment of nearly $200,000 reflecting the successful implementation of its Housing Action Plan. The initiatives in Pictou's Housing Action Plan include changes to zoning bylaws to increase housing density, establishing an integrated Community Sustainability Plan and accelerating the development approvals process. These actions establish a strong foundation for long-term housing growth across a range of housing options within the community.
The announcement was made by the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice, Attorney General of Canada, Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Member of Parliament for Central Nova, alongside Marco MacLeod, MLA for Pictou West.
The Government of Canada is making the housing investments that will help strengthen Canadian supply chains and create good jobs at every step of the homebuilding process – helping to build more homes and a stronger Canadian economy at the same time.
Quotes:
"I hear it at the grocery store, at the rink, and at the doors. Nova Scotians want to stay here, raise their families here, and afford a home here. These new homes will soon help more than 40 households put down roots in Pictou and stay close to the people and community they love. Nova Scotia has real momentum right now, and this investment helps keep it going by getting more affordable housing built faster, right where it's needed most." – The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice, Attorney General of Canada, Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Member of Parliament for Central Nova
"Each new home strengthens our community, and these 27 units are more than a construction project -- they are future homes for people in Pictou. By working with our partners, we're helping to give people a home where they can build their lives, raise their families, and stay connected to the community they love." – Marco MacLeod, MLA for Pictou West
"The Beeches Road project reflects exactly why Tidal Bay was created--to ensure Nova Scotians have access to stable, community‑rooted homes that remain affordable for generations. By combining long‑term stewardship with high‑quality, sustainable design, we're building not just housing, but a foundation for stronger, healthier communities." – Dion Whyte, Vice President, Tidal Bay Community Land Co-operative
"Federal funding for the Tidal Bay Community Land Co-operative's Pictou Beaches project was pivotal in realizing 27 new affordable, co-operative homes in Nova Scotia, including 11 which will be affordable for low-income households. While in a housing crisis every new affordable home counts, we appreciate and recognize the federal government's partnership with the co-operative housing sector, as the co-op model ensures these homes will always operate outside of the speculative market, with affordability deepening over time under the stewardship of the Tidal Bay Community Land Co-op." – Karen Brodeur, Director of Co-operative Housing Development, Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada
"The Nova Scotia Co-operative Council remains committed to working hand in hand with our federal, provincial, municipal, and community partners to keep delivering affordable housing solutions to Pictou and communities across Nova Scotia. Together, we'll continue addressing housing shortages, and building stronger, more inclusive communities for the long term, while keeping in mind the value in protecting our community landmarks." – Jeff Yuill, CEO, Nova Scotia Co-operative Council
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SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
Contacts: Renée LeBlanc Proctor, Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, [email protected]; Media Relations: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, [email protected]
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