The provincial government plans to invest more than $1.6 billion in new housing projects, healthcare facilities and other government priorities.
The government released its Capital Plan for 2024-25 on Wednesday, February 14. It will be presented in the legislature during the budget process when it resumes February 27 and passed shortly thereafter by the majority Tory government.
“Our capital plan continues to improve hospitals and other critical infrastructure for Nova Scotians and position our province for future growth,” said Finance and Treasury Board Minister Allan MacMaster in a news release. “I am pleased this plan supports efforts to build more housing faster and includes the first new funding for public housing construction in more than 20 years.”
The plan includes $15.5 million for new public housing units – the first new funding for public housing construction in more than 20 years. It also sets aside $11.8 million for new modular housing.
Nova Scotia Community College will also get $27.1 million for student housing projects at various stages of development. But the largest capital investments in the next year will be in healthcare. The government’s plan includes spending:
· $301.7 million for the Halifax Infirmary expansion and Cape Breton Regional Municipality healthcare redevelopment projects
· $146.1 million for construction and renewal of other hospitals and medical facilities including projects in Bridgewater, Pugwash, Yarmouth and Amherst and at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax
· $53.1 million for electronic health records (One Person One Record)
· $32 million to repair and replace medical equipment
· $22 million for Nova Scotia Health to repair and replace medical facilities
· $20.2 million for various initiatives in Action for Health, the government’s plan to transform and improve healthcare in Nova Scotia
· $17.9 million for a new multi-disciplinary oncology partnership.
The capital plan includes $483.3 million for projects outlined in the Five-Year Highway Improvement Plan, including $55 million for gravel roads.
Other highlights include:
· $208.5 million to build and renovate schools
· $50 million to buy land for future needs
· $45.5 million for information technology projects
· $20 million for a new funding envelope for storm damage repairs
· $11.8 million for provincial park repairs and upgrades
· $9.3 million for new helicopters and other wildfire equipment and training
Want the complete list of capital spending?
Capital Plan 2024-25: https://beta.novascotia.ca/documents/capital-plan-2024-2025
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