Lawrence Street Project
Project Scope
Project Description
Queens Neighbourhood Co-operative Housing Ltd (QNCH) recognizes the increasing need for affordable rental housing options with a focus on seniors in the community.
QNCH’s proposed two-story development (3 buildings) consists of 30 new rental units-20 one-bedroom, 8 two-bedroom, and 2 three-bedroom.
The site of QNCH’s first development is in the Town of Liverpool, on 2.6 acres of land bounded by Lawrence Street, the Trestle Trail, Queen Street Extension and Amherst Street.
QNCH chose this in town location, as there first development for many reasons. The property is bordered by a popular recreation trail as it is close to all amenities and services. With QNCH’s primary focus on seniors access it was important to be close to the main business district and shopping which is under a kilometre away, the Queens Regional Hospital is within 2 km, library, churches, post office, groceries, community and recreational facilities all within 1 to 2.5 kilometres.
Additionally, the in-town site ensures access to water and sewer infrastructure.
The units are designed to be stacked with dedicated interior stairs leading to each upper unit. These units are planned to be organized into two separate L-shaped buildings and separate fourplex that face into two interior forecourts with accessible walkways, green space, and outdoor seating/amenity space.
Both L shaped buildings will contain centrally located utility space for mechanical and electrical equipment, and individual storage lockers for all three buildings, and storage for outdoor maintenance equipment.
Per RM zoning requirements, the proposed development will include 1.25 parking spaces per unit, for a total of 37 spaces, four of which will be dedicated as barrier-free.
QNCH had originally completed full project design with 26 units in May 2024, with submissions for site plan approval and building permit.
Upon announcement of the new CMHC Co-operative Housing Development Program (CHDP) , QNCH learned through discussions with CMHC and Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada, that the Lawrence Street Project’s design at 26 units, would not meet the small to medium urban centre CHDP eligibility of a minimum of 30 units.
QNCH quickly pivoted with its’s design team to add an additional 4 plex on the site to meet the new CMHC Co-operative Housing Development program eligibility for small to medium urban centres of unit scale of 30-34 units.
All units are designed to exceed both Environmental Efficiency and Accessibility minimum requirements outlined by the CMHC. All units are designed to meet residential Universal Design standards, and two ground-floor units will be fully barrier-free per Nova Scotia Building Code Regulations. This includes designing all stairwells and stairways to second floor units to be adaptable for the installation of future chairlifts for aging in place.
The Lawrence Street Project is designed using Passive House principles and will be energy modeled to optimize annual site energy use with the goal of Net-Zero site energy via the addition of rooftop solar arrays.
Design Team
Housing Consultants
Affordable Housing and Program Consultant
Joined Earl at Inclusive Homes Consulting, in May of 2023, to support the organization and housing development process at QNCH.
Michael has worked for 28 years in the non-profit housing, and supportive housing sectors primarily with marginalized individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health and substance use issues. Michael previously held various management positions including Executive Director, at Fife House Foundation, over an 11-year period.
With a background in social work, community health leadership, and mental and addictions health case management, Michael also worked at Loft Community Services managing a mental health case management program and residential programs, worked at Fred Victor Centre as the Housing Administrator, and the City of Toronto Department of Public Health providing harm reduction counselling and case management support services.
Michael’s passion is developing new housing initiatives, working with funders, donors and community partners, and people with lived experience to co-create housing and programs which address critical unmet needs in the community.
Owner Inclusive Homes Consulting
Earl is an affordable housing consultant, utilizing his previous experience to help communities develop inclusive, affordable housing developments. Held various Housing Department positions in a 32-year career with the Province of Nova Scotia, retiring as the Program Manager, Western Region. Earl is performing ongoing contract work with not-for profit inclusive housing developments; building governance, operational capacity, and a new development with an Indigenous housing organization; and working with the board of Queens Neighbourhood Co-operative Housing to develop their first co-operative housing build.
Earl worked as Director, Western Regional Housing Authority, utilized a business degree managing human resources, assets, and finances, for public housing in the Western Region, and with Compass Nova Scotia Co-operative Housing Ltd. as the Managing Director, providing board support, co-op amalgamations, funding proposals, presentations to municipal councils for land and property transfers, and coordination with property management firm.
Earl is a dedicated and well-loved Athletics Coach for Lunenburg/ Queens Special Olympics.