Phase 1 Applications Open
Welcome Home to
Liberation Way
Canada’s largest Black-led housing co-operative. 136 permanently non-market homes in the historic African Nova Scotian community of Upper Hammonds Plains.
This is a Phase 1 application. Submitting places you on the waitlist for available homes.
136
Non-Market Homes
$61.2M
CMHC Backed
29
Barrier-free Homes
20%
Below Median Market Rent
Our Story
A Community Built on Resilience
Upper Hammonds Plains was established in 1815, when Black Refugees from the War of 1812 sought freedom and new beginnings in Nova Scotia. They built one of the earliest African Nova Scotian communities, and their legacy of determination lives on today.
In response to decades of land expropriation and systemic inequity, the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust (UHPCLT) was established in 2022 to protect, preserve, and strengthen the historic lands of this community.
The Upper Hammonds Plains Housing Co-operative is UHPCLT’s flagship development, the largest Black-led co-operative housing project in Canada, backed by $61.2 million through CMHC’s Co-operative Housing Development Program.
“Aspiring to be a leader in developing community land trusts within Black communities provincially and nationally, UHPCLT is dedicated to preserving cultural heritage and creating opportunities for Black families to access non-market housing and the tools necessary for building intergenerational wealth.”
How It Works
What Is a Housing Co-operative?
A housing co-op is a democratic organization, jointly controlled by the people who live there. Here’s what that means for you as a member.
Democratic Organization
As a member, you elect a board of directors from among your neighbours and participate in important decisions about your home and community.
Non-Market Housing
Housing charges cover the cost of operating and maintaining the co-op, with no profit going to a landlord. Any surpluses are reinvested back into your community.
Full Transparency
Members review and approve financial statements and operating budgets, so you always know exactly where the money goes and how the co-op is run.
Long-Term Stability
The co-op sets aside funds for major repairs and replacements, keeping housing sustainable and your home well-maintained for years to come.
Community Ownership
Collectively owned and community-led, this model reshapes the housing landscape and creates a lasting legacy of secure, non-market homes.
Rooted in Heritage
UHPHC is deeply rooted in the cultural traditions and social equity of Upper Hammonds Plains, preserving the African Nova Scotian heritage for generations.
The Homes
136 Homes Across Three Styles
Located at 195 Liberation Way (formerly Equestrian Lane), each home includes one or two parking spaces.
Style A
Bungalow
2
2
1,076 sq. ft.
Single level
26 homes available
Style B
Bungalow with Garage
2 or 3
—
1,500 sq. ft.
Single level + garage
43 homes available
Style C
Two-Story Townhome
2
1.5
1,100 sq. ft.
Two-storey
67 homes available
Phase 1 Applications Now Open
Ready to Apply?
Complete the application below on behalf of your household. All adults who will be living in the home should be included. This is Phase 1 only — completing the form adds you to the waitlist for available homes.
Complete the application form for your household
We review and contact you with next steps
Select your home and become a co-op member
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We have answers.
What is a housing co-operative?
A housing co-operative (co-op) is a democratic organization jointly controlled by the members — the people who live there. As a member, you elect a board of directors, review financial statements, and participate in important decisions about your home. Non-profit housing co-ops operate at cost, meaning housing charges cover operating and maintenance expenses without generating profit for a landlord.
What is a Community Land Trust (CLT)?
A Community Land Trust is a non-profit organization that holds land in trust for the long-term benefit of a community. By taking land off the speculative market, CLTs keep homes permanently affordable and ensure that the community retains control over their land in perpetuity. The Upper Hammonds Plains CLT was established in 2022 to protect and preserve the historic lands of the community. Learn more about Community Land Trusts here.
What does "non-market housing" mean?
Non-market housing means that housing charges are set to cover the real cost of operating and maintaining the homes — not to generate profit for a landlord or investor. Any surplus funds are reinvested back into the co-operative, keeping housing sustainable and affordable over time.
Who is eligible to apply?
Please complete the Phase 1 application form to begin the process. The application asks for information about the applicant, any co-applicants (other adults in the household), and all household members including children and dependents. Eligibility details will be communicated as part of the review process.
What is the waitlist and how does Phase 1 work?
This is a Phase 1 application. Submitting the form places your household on the waitlist for available homes. We will contact you with next steps as the co-operative progresses. Applying does not guarantee a home, but is the required first step in the process.
How many homes are available, and what types are there?
The co-operative includes 136 homes at 195 Liberation Way (formerly Equestrian Lane): 26 two-bedroom bungalows (1,076 sq. ft.), 43 bungalows with garage (2 or 3 bedrooms, 1,500 sq. ft.), and 67 two-storey townhomes (2 bedrooms, 1,100 sq. ft.). Each unit comes with one or two parking spaces.
Who are the project partners?
This project would not have been possible without our partners: HarbourTown Group, the Co-operating Housing Federation of Canada, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and the Community Housing Management Network. The $61.2 million used to finance UHPHC’s development was secured through CMHC’s Co-operative Housing Development Program.
Where is the co-operative located?
The Upper Hammonds Plains Housing Co-operative is located at 195 Liberation Way (formerly Equestrian Lane) in Upper Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia — within the historic African Nova Scotian community established in 1815.
How do co-op members participate in governance?
As a member of the co-operative, you have the right to vote in elections for the board of directors, review and approve financial statements and operating budgets, and participate in important decisions about the co-op. The board is elected from among the residents themselves, ensuring community-led management.