The federal government has announced plans to sell the historic armoury in Amherst, N.S., in order to make way for new housing developments. This decision is part of a larger initiative outlined in the federal budget to free up lands held by the Defence Department and Canada Post to accommodate the construction of housing across the country. The government aims to build 3.87 million new homes by 2031, with the goal of adding two million homes to the 1.87 million that were already in the process of being built. In order to achieve this objective, the Defence Department will be working with the Canada Lands Company to divest 14 surplus properties, including the Amherst Armoury in northern Nova Scotia, which was built in 1915. Although the building was declared surplus in 2016 after the local reserve unit moved out, it is still utilized for community functions, military cadet training, and housing the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regimental Museum.
The decision to sell the Amherst Armoury follows a temporary closure of the building in 2020 for an engineering review, which revealed that its huge twin towers were in poor condition and required various repairs within the next 10 years. This closure sparked anger among local residents who were taken by surprise and felt that they were not adequately informed about the situation. The Defence Department acknowledged their mistake in not disseminating information about the closure to all users of the armoury simultaneously. Despite its historic significance and community value, the building is now poised to be sold as part of the broader effort to increase housing stock in the country. The federal government’s plan to sell surplus properties, including the Amherst Armoury, is a strategic move to utilize underutilized lands for residential development and support the national housing strategy.
The Amherst Armoury, with its significant architectural and historical importance, has been a staple in the local community since its construction over a century ago. Built in 1915, the massive sandstone building has served various purposes, including as a training ground for military cadets and a repository for the North Nova Scotia Highlanders Regimental Museum. Despite its closure for repairs in 2020, the building remains a focal point for community activities and cultural heritage. The decision to sell the Amherst Armoury underscores the government’s commitment to repurpose surplus properties for residential development and support the ambitious goal of constructing 3.87 million new homes by 2031. By partnering with the Canada Lands Company, the Defence Department aims to streamline the divestment process and ensure that underutilized lands are utilized effectively to address the housing shortage in the country.
The sale of the Amherst Armoury is part of a larger effort by the federal government to address the housing crisis and increase the supply of homes across the country. By freeing up lands currently held by government agencies such as the Defence Department and Canada Post, the government aims to create space for new housing developments and achieve the target of building 3.87 million new homes by 2031. The decision to divest surplus properties, including the historic armoury in Amherst, reflects a strategic approach to leveraging underutilized lands for residential purposes and supporting the growth of communities. Despite its closure and need for repairs, the Amherst Armoury remains a valuable asset with a rich history in the local area, and its sale signifies a shift towards repurposing such properties to meet the evolving needs of the population.
Overall, the federal government’s announcement to sell the Amherst Armoury and other surplus properties aligns with its broader objective of increasing the supply of housing in Canada. The decision to repurpose underutilized lands for residential development underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the housing shortage and providing affordable housing options for Canadians. While the sale of historical buildings such as the Amherst Armoury may stir mixed emotions in local communities, the government’s strategic approach to divesting surplus properties reflects a long-term vision for sustainable urban growth and community development. By working with the Canada Lands Company and other partners, the Defence Department aims to facilitate the transition of surplus properties into viable residential projects, ultimately contributing to the government’s ambitious target of constructing 3.87 million new homes by 2031.
