A BTZx Action Accelerator
Nova Scotia is experiencing an urgent housing crisis, with a growing need for accessible, affordable, and sustainable housing options. At the same time, the province must meet ambitious climate goals by reducing emissions from the built environment and increasing density in existing neighbourhoods.
Backyard or secondary suites, also known as laneway houses, garden suites, or accessory dwelling units (ADUs), are a promising solution that can help address both challenges.
Location: St. Mary’s Boat Club, 1641 Fairfield Rd, Halifax NS.
Why attend
- Help the building sector deepen our collective understanding of the challenges limiting the uptake of backyard suites.
- Identify tangible actions to unlock to the potential of backyard suites as an affordable and practical housing option.
Who should attend
- Property owners, planners, builders, municipal representatives, industry, policy, investors, and anyone in the residential sector who has an interest in backyard suites and seeing the process streamlined.
- Current or potential owners of backyard suites in Nova Scotia will benefit from the discussion.
This action accelerator is supported in funding by Nova Scotia Department of Energy.
Session Format
The session will include the following:
- 9:00 a.m. Registration (sign in, coffee/tea, and light snacks)
- Brief welcome by Building to Zero Exchange and introduction to the goals of this event
- Setting the stage: Guest presentation on Backyard Suites
- Small groups roundtable discussion on the “challenge topic” of increasing uptake and streamlining the process for backyard suites implementation.
- Plenary: group sharing, reflections and closing
- To-go lunch boxes available at 12:00 p.m.