In late 2024, Dartmouth Housing took a decisive step. After more than four decades serving low-income tenants in Nova Scotia, the non-profit housing provider realized that small-scale operations and reliance on government subsidies could no longer ensure affordability. To meet rising housing needs, it would need a broader vision and a more resilient, financially sustainable model.
The result was Rooted: Community Development Partners, a new name that signaled more than rebranding. It marked a strategic shift: from a housing provider focused mainly on management and preservation to a social-purpose developer combining housing, equity, sustainability, and financial resilience.
Rooted’s portfolio now combines below-market rental units with affordable homes priced below median market rent, generating reliable revenues that support reinvestment in properties while keeping housing attainable for a broad range of households. Unlike the earlier rent-geared-to-income model dependent on subsidies, this mixed-income approach creates financial strength, produced by diversifying income streams, thereby stabilizing the organization. This makes it more resilient to fluctuations in government programs, gives it greater agility, and allows it to grow at a sustained pace. Revenue from near-market units covers operations and maintenance, while below-market rents keep homes accessible to the most vulnerable households. This self-sustaining system protects long-term affordability and ensures high-quality housing.
The shift also unlocked new partnerships and funding opportunities. By acting as both developer and long-term steward, Rooted can now access government programs and capital that were previously out of reach. The results are already visible: acquisitions that prevent displacement, new energy-efficient builds, and an expanded presence across Nova Scotia.
What this new model enables
One of the most striking examples of Rooted’s new focus and capacity came in 2025 with the acquisition of two apartment buildings on Gaston Road in Dartmouth. Together, the properties provide 84 rental units. Supported by funding from Nova Scotia’s Community Housing Capital Fund and provincial Community Housing Acquisition Program financing, the buildings will stay permanently affordable under Rooted’s management.
This acquisition keeps existing tenants in their homes, protecting them from sudden rent hikes or evictions. By preserving buildings where rents were already on the lower end of the local market, it helps prevent gentrification and allows families, seniors, and workers to remain in their communities.
At the same time, Rooted is moving forward with The Crosswoods, an 18-unit development in Cole Harbour that combines affordable and market-rate units in a building designed with energy efficiency and community inclusion in mind.
By including market-rate units, The Crosswoods generates revenue to support the building’s operating costs and long-term sustainability. Surpluses are reinvested into new affordable housing supply, as well as maintenance, ultimately keeping operational costs lower in the long run. Just as importantly, the mix creates diverse, inclusive communities, aligning with Rooted’s broader approach to resilient housing.
Long-term community development
Rooted’s expanded vision combines environmental sustainability, resident engagement, and community resilience. This approach not only keeps housing stable and affordable today but also strengthens neighbourhoods for the future.
“Through strong partnerships with the Centre and the Province, we’re able to take a more comprehensive approach to growth. Acquisition is just as important as new development when it comes to protecting affordability. As Rooted grows, we’re levelling up our strategy, tools, and capacity to firmly anchor community housing in the real estate sector. Just like our cities across Atlantic Canada, we’re growing up, developmentally and in built form. Rooted is part of a growing wave of non-profits building the foundation to take on housing projects in the thousands of units, both new and preserved.” Dylan Ward, Director of Development, Rooted
A blueprint for success
The Gaston Road acquisitions and the Cole Harbour new build illustrate why Rooted’s model should inspire other community housing providers.
- Permanent affordability: tenants are shielded from speculative rent increases or evictions.
- Financial sustainability: mixed-income housing generates revenue to maintain and expand the portfolio.
- Resident voice in governance: tenants and community members actively shape decisions.
- Partnership leverage: tapping government programs, private finance, and community partners to grow impact.
- Internal capacity: as Rooted grows its portfolio and becomes more financially resilient, it can increase internal resources and systems.
- Vision for sustainability: projects like The Crosswoods integrate efficiency and inclusion.
- Asset stewardship: long-term reinvestment in buildings to protect affordability for generations.
- Scalable model: a framework that can be replicated and expanded across Nova Scotia and beyond, demonstrating sector leadership.
This model demonstrates how non-profits can balance financial strength with social mission. By generating operating surpluses and reinvesting them, Rooted demonstrates that financial resilience and social values go hand in hand. They are what make long-term affordability possible.
Rooted’s transformation has already delivered tangible results. By safeguarding existing affordable housing and developing new, sustainable mixed-income projects, it is shaping a stronger, fairer housing system for Nova Scotia. The model also provides a blueprint for other non-profits: blending affordable and market-rate units while diversifying income streams builds financial resilience, supports long-term stewardship, and strengthens communities.
Through its acquisitions and new construction projects, Rooted demonstrates how this approach protects affordability, strengthens neighbourhoods, and offers a model that other organizations can adopt to expand their impact.
