Government of Canada supports four housing companies to expand and improve facilities

“Companies in Atlantic Canada are helping to solve the housing crisis with their incredible expertise in how to build homes faster. Helping homegrown businesses double down on their success means more jobs and more housing for everyone who calls our region home or wants to.”
-      The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Manufacturers in Nova Scotia are working hard to produce high quality materials to build homes, and their products and expertise are needed now more than ever. I am happy to see them receive the support they need to help keep up with demand.”
-      The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for Central Nova

“The housing crisis requires a whole of government approach and innovative ways to address the need for new and affordable homes for Nova Scotians. The innovation rebates for Maritime Truss Ltd., Lake Shore Living, and Moulding Warehouse will help Nova Scotian businesses work with government to build housing options and increase productivity, at a time when they’re needed most.”
- The Honourable Susan Corkum Greek, Minister of the Department of Economic Development

“Maritime Truss is pleased to be working with ACOA in our efforts to align our production to meet the growing demand in the housing industry. The repayable investment from ACOA is helping us to expand by purchasing new equipment that will allow us to produce 20-25% more with 30% less waste. It is through innovation and infrastructure upgrades that we will be better prepared to supply solutions that will lead to increased housing starts in our region. “
-      Glen MacKenzie, VP Operations of Maritime Truss Limited

“Trenton WoodWorks is pleased to be expanding our off-site construction and manufacturing operations capabilities through innovative equipment, and creating jobs in Nova Scotia, particularly Pictou County. We are proud to be utilizing Nova Scotia forest products to create solutions for housing, education, and healthcare.”
-      Donald MacDonald, President, Trenton Woodworks

“After the wildfires, our only focus was getting back to supplying building materials to our customers as soon as possible. We were always going to rebuild; but a program like this allows us to rebuild better. We really are thankful to all of those who have supported us and are very happy to start our new manufacturing process in the very near future.”
-      Courtney Mackay, President of Moulding Warehouse Ltd

"We have seen the impacts of a lack of housing throughout our area. We have seen lots of growth and housing supply has not been able to catch up. We are very happy to be making a positive difference to the supply, and to be building houses for families to call home. We are grateful to ACOA for this investment and their support of this project.”
-      Findlay Lock, Managing Director, Lake Shore Living Ltd

"The Pictou County Affordable and Supportive Housing Association (PCASHA) is pleased that ACOA is providing funding to manufacturers who support the housing sector in Nova Scotia, and in particular Pictou County.  PCASHA was formed as a response to the housing crisis in our county, and we recognize that crisis extends across the province, and indeed our entire country.  Investments are needed in housing stock, specifically affordable and supportive options, so PCASHA would like to thank ACOA for the financial assistance to manufacturers who can ‘put shovels in the ground’ and build the housing stock we so desperately need."   
-      Danny MacGillivray, Past Chair of PCASHA, Mayor of the Town of Stellarton

• According to a recent report from the Nova Scotia Department of Finance, at the end of 2022, there was a gap of approximately 27,300 units between demand for housing in Nova Scotia and available supply. Forecasts suggest that to keep pace with population growth, the province will need 71,600 new housing units by 2027.

• From January to June 2024, Nova Scotia's housing starts were up 55 percent compared with the same period in 2023. In June of this year, Nova Scotia’s housing starts increased 35 percent from May.

• Most housing construction in Nova Scotia is traditional, on-site construction. Prefabricated builds currently make up a small amount of housing construction but are forecast to become a larger part of the homebuilding industry.

• Invest Nova Scotia approved business development incentives in the form of innovation rebates to: Maritime Truss Ltd - $398,472; Lake Shore Living Ltd - $360,000; and Moulding Warehouse - $629,138. 

• Canada’s Housing Plan lays out a strategy and budget to build more homes, make it easier to own or rent a home, and help Canadians who can’t afford a home. 

• The funding announced today is provided through ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program and through the Canada Coal Transition Initiative. 

Related products

• Backgrounder: Laying the foundation for more innovative homebuilding solutions

Connor Burton
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Connor.Burton@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Jay Witherbee
Acting Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Jay.Witherbee@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
902-266-4037

Glen MacKenzie
VP Operations
Maritime Truss Limited
Glen.Mackenzie@maritimetrussltd.ca
902-899-7954

Jamie Miles
CFO
Trenton WoodWorks
JMiles@eastcut.ca
902-880-6342

Courtney Mackay
President
Moulding Warehouse Ltd.
courtney@moulding-warehouse.com
902-832-3217

Findlay Lock
Managing Director
Lake Shore Living Ltd.
Findlay@lakeshoreliv.ca
902-631-5529

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