Backgrounder: Laying the foundation for more innovative homebuilding solutions

July 29, 2024 · Trenton, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Communities across the country are facing housing pressures. The Government of Canada is supporting innovative homebuilding solutions by investing $2,796,944 in repayable funding to help four companies scale up, modernize and increase housing supply.

Funding for three of these projects is provided through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program. Funding for Trenton Woodworks is provided through ACOA’s Canada’s Coal Transition Initiative.

Companies receiving contributions are:

Maritime Truss Limited is receiving $796,944 to acquire and install a central sawing centre at its production facility in Truro, which will include an automated linear blade saw and a floor web saw. It will also renovate and redesign its facility to increase efficiency and production capacity. This funding will help the company enter new markets in Canada and the United States.

Incorporated in 1986, Maritime Truss is a locally owned and operated leading manufacturer of commercial and residential roof trusses. The company’s plant operates four production tables equipped with laser technology to accommodate roof trusses up to 80 feet in length. In 2022, Maritime Truss expanded its product line to manufacture standard floor trusses and trimmable end floor trusses.

Trenton WoodWorks Limited Partnership is receiving $750,000 to purchase product assembly line equipment and computerized saws to increase production. The company will also install solar panels on its roof to help offset a portion of its energy needs.

Trenton WoodWorks is part of a family-owned business consisting of a number of woodworking and manufacturing sister companies including Eastcut Wood Building Solutions and Eastcut Mass Timber. Trenton WoodWorks specializes in manufacturing, offsite construction, and sustainable practices. It operates out of a low-carbon industrial plant in Trenton.

Moulding Warehouse is receiving $750,000 to purchase automated manufacturing equipment as part of its rebuild. Equipment includes a moulder, paint line, gang saw, scissor lift, table saws and planers.

Moulding Warehouse is one of two local producers of MDF and wood mouldings and is the largest producer in Halifax Regional Municipality. In the spring of 2023, the company’s facility was destroyed in the wildfires in Upper Tantallon. At that time, the company was producing 10,000 feet of moulding per day, as well as pre-hung doors. Moulding Warehouse is now partially operational and expects to be at full capacity by September.

Lake Shore Living Limited is receiving $500,000 to establish a manufacturing facility in Lake Ainslie, Cape Breton to build modular homes and panel components. The company will acquire equipment such as a specialized forklift, window installer, jack system and paint spray booth.

Lake Shore Living was established in 2023 to address current housing issues by providing affordable homes in a timely manner. It manufactures prefabricated, energy-efficient home components in a centralized location which results in fewer delays and more reliable build times. Modular home building applies lean manufacturing techniques to the home building industry, to control the environment, improve productivity and reduce waste.