Community college students in the Annapolis Valley will soon have more housing options as construction begins on a new student housing facility at Nova Scotia Community College's (NSCC's) Kingstec campus in Kentville.
A new student housing facility will provide about 90 beds at Nova Scotia Community College's Kingstec campus in Kentville. (Nova Scotia Community College)
The project will add about 90 new beds at the campus, while also helping reduce pressure on the local rental market.
"Access to affordable housing is a key part of student success," said Nolan Young, Minister of Labour, Skills and Immigration. "This investment puts students first by creating more on-campus housing, helping learners focus on their education instead of worrying about where they will live. It will also make it easier for more Nova Scotians to access training and build the skilled workforce our province needs."
Over the coming days and weeks, contractors will begin site preparation work, including installing safety fencing, setting up construction access routes and preparing the site for building. NSCC and the contractor will continue to provide updates to students, employees and the surrounding community as work moves forward.
The project, delivered by the Department of Public Works, builds on provincial investments that have already created 350 student housing spaces at NSCC's Pictou, Akerley and Ivany campuses.
Quotes:
"Everyone knows how important it is to have a roof over your head - a place to call your own. This new housing facility will provide students with a place to live while studying and will help grow and strengthen our campus community. We are grateful for the government's continued confidence in our students, our work and our mission as a college."
Jason Clark, Principal, NSCC Kingstec campus
"Having housing right next to campus is exciting news for students. It will make daily life easier while creating a welcoming community where students can build friendships, support one another and make the most of their college experience."
Alex Faye, President, Kingstec Student Association
"We are grateful the Province of Nova Scotia and NSCC are working together to create new affordable housing options for post-secondary students choosing to live and learn in Kings County. We look forward to welcoming future tenants to our community of communities where all people belong."
Dave Corkum, Mayor, Municipality of the County of Kings
Quick Facts:
- the new housing facility is expected to be completed in fall 2028; project timelines will continue to be updated as construction progresses
- about 600 students are enrolled at Kingstec each year, along with about 200 apprenticeship learners who attend training throughout the year
- additional student housing projects are planned for NSCC's Cumberland, Lunenburg and Institute of Technology campuses
- building more student housing is one of the actions identified in the Province's housing plan, Our Homes, Action for Housing
Additional Resources:
- Nova Scotia Community College: https://www.nscc.ca/
- News release - Province to Build Four More Student Housing Projects: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2023/11/21/province-build-four-more-student-housing-projects
- Our Homes, Action for Housing: https://novascotia.ca/action-for-housing/
