Home-sharing platform funded by N.S. government results in just 23 leases in a year
HALIFAX — In the year since Nova Scotia invested in an online platform aimed at helping renters find affordable housing, a total of 23 leases have been signed, a result opposition parties say is a failure.
On Aug. 4, 2023, the province said it would give $1.3 million over two years to Happipad — a Canadian non-profit home-sharing application that matches homeowners who have empty rooms with renters who need housing. As of July 31, the Housing Department says a total of 60 rooms were listed and 23 leases signed.
Minister of Housing John Lohr was not made available for an interview Thursday; instead, Advanced Education Minister Brian Wong spoke about the program on behalf of the government.
“I am pleased with the whole concept of Happipad and its potential,” Wong said in an interview, declining to say if he is satisfied that the $1.3-million program has so far resulted in less than 25 signed leases.
“We probably would have hoped that we would have more, but that is in the making right now.” …[Continue Reading]