About US

Student Housing Nova Scotia is a non-profit organization that provides, develops, and advocates for housing that meets the needs of post-secondary students across Nova Scotia. It also leads and supports research, programs, and initiatives which address the housing needs of students. 

Established in 1965 as the Halifax Student Housing Society, we were initially created to lead the construction and management of housing that met the needs of under-represented university students in our community. In the years since, we have provided thousands of students with a place to call home, saving them millions of dollars in rent, while offering a supportive environment to live, learn, and grow.

Our Approach

We have a vision that every student in Nova Scotia has housing that meets their needs. To support this, we are focused on building, buying, operating, and managing housing for students. 

As part of our approach, we strive to create, support, and advocate for SPACES for students in Nova Scotia:

Secure and reliable housing solutions. 

Purpose-built properties that fit the people they serve.

Affordable and accessible options for all types of students.

Comfortable and community centered atmosphere.

Environmentally responsible operations.

Supporting a sustainable future for all.

The History of Student Housing in Nova Scotia

1965
With a $500 grant from the Dalhousie Student Union, a group of students began planning to develop affordable and student-led housing in Halifax. This would eventually be known as the Halifax Student Housing Society
1966
The Halifax Student Housing Society was incorporated as an independent non-profit organization.
1967
We completed construction of Peter Green Hall, a 112-unit apartment building in South End Halifax. This property was named after society president Peter Green, who led the organization and project as a Dalhousie law student.
1968
The society gave Peter Green Hall to Dalhousie University, and leased the property back to the society for 50-years.
2018
Peter Green Hall celebrated its 50th anniversary.
2019
The Peter Green Hall lease was renewed until 2024.
2024
February 2024: The Halifax Student Housing Society officially became Student Housing Nova Scotia.
2024
March 2024: Student Housing Nova Scotia announced its province-wide expansion, and shared its mission to expand student housing and help students across the province.
2024
June 2024: Student Housing Nova Scotia announced its first acquisition, purchasing 59 Hillside Avenue in Wolfville.
2024
July 2024: The Peter Green Hall lease came to an end, and Dalhousie University began managing Peter Green Hall.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We work and live in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which Mi’kmaq Wəlastəkwiyik (Maliseet), and Passamaquoddy Peoples first signed with the British Crown in 1726.

The treaties did not deal with the surrender of lands and resources but in fact, recognized Mi’kmaq and Wəlastəkwiyik (Maliseet) title and established the rules for what was to be an ongoing relationship between nations.

Student Housing Nova Scotia acknowledges the Peace & Friendship Treaties signed in this Territory and recognizes that we are all Treaty People.

We also acknowledge that people of African descent have been in Nova Scotia for over 400 years, and we honour and offer gratitude to those ancestors of African descent who came before us to this land.