Halifax council is working to create more affordable housing in the city with the new Cogswell District and sale of surplus property.

On Tuesday, councillors voted to use the upcoming Cogswell District and sell land owned by the municipality to create more affordable housing. Staff were directed to continue developing a strategy for long-term affordable housing in the district, slated to be finished by fall 2025. 

During the meeting, councillors also approved to declare six plots of land as surplus that will later be used for affordable housing projects. 

Coun. David Hendsbee asked that the seventh proposed site on Chamberlain Drive be temporarily removed in order to allow neighbouring property owners the chance to purchase it. 

Another site in Upper Tantallon was asked to be removed by Coun. Pam Lovelace due to it being an access point for the St. Margaret’s Bay Trail but was voted down. 

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