Housing costs rising rapidly on South Shore

Bridgewater -- The growing housing crisis is affecting all parts of Nova Scotia, not just Halifax. On the South Shore, rapidly rising rental costs and the growth of short-term rentals like Airbnb are putting a squeeze on people who rent.

“Across the province we‘re seeing rapid increases in rental costs for housing. People are reporting $100, $200 or even $300 a month increases,” said NDP Leader Gary Burrill. “We need to make housing more affordable and available, whether you rent or want to buy. A good starting point would be to bring in rent control and limit the amount of rent increases.”

Alice Burdick lives in Mahone Bay. She is a single mother with two school-aged children. Last year, after searching high and low for four months, she finally found a suitable place to rent.

"I was searching constantly. Everything that was well outside my price range as a single parent. I don't remember actually seeing a single place that was within my price range," said Burdick. "Luckily I had six months to find a place to live. I know many people who have had to rush and find something, anything, within a month. Eventually I found a place that I could afford through a friend, but it is just within my budget, and most people are stuck paying way too much of their income on rent."

The NDP is focused on solutions for making housing more affordable, including rent controls, regulating short-term rentals, and building more housing units.