Housing specifically for healthcare workers is building on the east of Canada
The authorities are concerned about solving the housing problems of valuable professionals.
The Nova Scotia provincial government has announced the acquisition of the former Wheelhouse Motel in Lunenburg. The building will be converted into mixed-income housing for healthcare workers. The news was made by John Lohr, Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister:
"We made a promise to Nova Scotians that we would deliver more housing options for healthcare workers in communities that need it the most, and today we are delivering on our promise."
Lohr also noted that the object was chosen for its location — in close proximity to medical facilities. The new complex is planned to include from 10 to 12 one-bedroom apartments and six townhouses suitable for families. Rents will depend on the income of the workers. However, the project is still in the design phase and a contractor has not even been selected for it yet.
The Lunenburg development was the first of the sites purchased as part of the province's special program to provide housing for Nova Scotia's health care workers. The government had previously allocated CA$ 20 million for the program.
Minister of Health and Wellness Michelle Thompson, who worked as a nurse before being elected, warmly endorsed the support measures for healthcare workers and spoke specifically about the need to attract professionals from neighboring regions and other countries to the province:
"We need more professionals for our healthcare system and that means attracting people from across Canada and around the world to our province."
Recently Nova Scotia launched a new orientation program that will help welcome and settle 140 doctors trained outside of Canada over the next three years.
