Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Rod Gilroy is welcoming significant investments in a Pugwash housing project.
To provide Canadians with increased access to affordable and sustainable housing, the federal government announced on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025, an investment of more than $7 million for the construction of 40 housing units in Pugwash through the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF).
Along with the federal funding through the National Housing Strategy’s Affordable Housing Fund; $3 million in non-repayable loans is being provided from the provincial Department of Growth & Development; $300,000 from the Municipality of Cumberland; $50,000 from the Community Housing Transformation Centre; $500,000 from the River Philip Foundation and $129,163 from the Sunset Community.
“This is a welcome and transformative step for the community,” Mayor Gilroy said. “This initiative not only provides safe and secure homes for individuals and families but also strengthens the social and economic fabric of the village. The design intentionally embraces inclusivity, ensuring accessibility alongside affordability to bolster rural resilience and social cohesion.
“Affordable housing ensures that seniors, young families, and those with modest incomes can continue to live and thrive in Pugwash, close to their roots and community connections. It helps attract and retain workers, supports local businesses, and fosters inclusivity. By investing in housing, Pugwash is building a brighter, more resilient future where everyone has a place to belong.”
Sunset Landing in Pugwash will soon be home to a new 40-unit housing development led by the Sunset Community in partnership with local builder Crossroads Cycle.
The announcement was attended by Mayor Gilroy and Deputy Mayor Fred Gould, federal Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson, Cumberland-Colchester MP Alana Hirtle, District 3 councillor and Sunset Community board chair Jennifer Houghtaling, Sunset Community CEO Julie Hoeg, Cumberland South MLA and Natural Resources and Renewables Minister Tory Rushton and provincial Growth and Development Minister Colton Leblanc.
“Our government is committed to helping communities develop local solutions to housing need and homelessness. This project will provide more safe, affordable homes for some of the most vulnerable residents of Pugwash. It’s also another step forward in building an economy that serves everyone,” Robertson said.
The property at 10923 Durham St. in Pugwash will soon be home to a new 40-unit housing development led by the Sunset Community in partnership with local builder Crossroads Cycle. This project is designed to meet urgent housing needs by offering quality, affordable homes for individuals transitioning from Sunset’s care programs, as well as for members of the broader public—including Sunset staff who currently commute long distances to work. As part of their workforce housing initiative, Crossroads Cycle has committed to renting five three-bedroom units at market rates for their employees.
In addition to addressing housing gaps, the project is expected to boost the local economy by creating construction jobs and supporting small businesses through increased demand for goods and services. The site is also designed to accommodate future expansion.
“After three years of dedication and planning, the Sunset Community is thrilled to announce the official start of construction on Sunrise Landing, an inclusive new housing community located in the heart of Pugwash,” Sunset Community CEO Julie Hoeg said. “Sunrise Landing will offer a thoughtfully designed mix of affordable and market-rate rental units to support a vibrant and diverse rural community. This new development will include one and three-bedroom homes built to welcome individuals and families of all backgrounds.
From left, Cumberland-Colchester MP Alanah Hirtle, Cumberland South MLA and Natural Resources and Renewables Minister Tory Rushton, Growth and Development Minister Colton Leblanc, District 3 councillor and Sunset Community board chair Jennifer Houghtaling, Mayor Rod Gilroy, federal Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson and Deputy Mayor Fred Gould are shown following the housing announcement in Pugwash.
“This milestone was reached thanks to the support and collaboration of key community partners, including the local builder Crossroads, and our funding partners. Sunrise Landing represents more than just housing—it’s a place to call home, grow community, and build a brighter, more inclusive future in rural Nova Scotia.”
The Sunset Community currently serves 60 people with physical and intellectual disabilities and mental illness in its residential centre, while operating an independent living support program that supports 20 people across Cumberland County in their own homes and an eight-bed group home in Pugwash.
It also operates Sunset Industries, which provides work and skill-building opportunities to 40 people from Cumberland and Colchester counties.
Houghtaling said Sunset Landing is an example of a community coming together to make a ‘pie in the sky’ dream a reality.
“It will be an example of social inclusion, gorgeous sunsets and a new way of life for so many people here in the village,” Houghtaling said. “Three years ago, it began with news of transformative change for the Sunset community. Pugwash has been a warm and welcoming place for our Sunset residents for 130 years and our team wanted to keep that option available and find a more inclusive way of life in the community.”
Municipality of Cumberland Mayor Rod Gilroy speaks during the housing announcement in Pugwash on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025.