A groundbreaking movement is taking shape across Nova Scotia as Black communities embrace collective land ownership through community land trusts to preserve their heritage and tackle housing affordability challenges.

Historical Roots and Modern Solutions

In Upper Hammonds Plains, located 25 kilometers northwest of Halifax, sixth-generation African Nova Scotian Curtis Whiley is leading innovative efforts to protect historically Black-owned land through the establishment of the region’s first Black-led Community Land Trust.

‘My ancestors came here as free people over 200 years ago,’ explains Whiley. ‘They were promised land in exchange for their military service, but many families have struggled with precarious land titles ever since.’

Addressing Housing Challenges

The trust model aims to solve multiple challenges facing these historic communities, including unclear land titles that have prevented residents from accessing home repair funding and protection against increasing development pressures.

Community-Driven Initiatives

In Halifax’s north end, community advocate Treno Morton has established the New Roots Community Land Trust, representing approximately 30 members from the Uniacke Square and Mulgrave Park areas. The organization focuses on giving Black residents more influence in local development decisions.

‘We’re gathering data and community input to present stronger cases to municipal and provincial governments,’ Morton explains. ‘This ensures our community has a voice in what happens to important local properties.’

Preserving Cultural Heritage

In Truro’s historic ‘The Marsh’ neighborhood, community leader Lynn Jones has been purchasing family plots to prevent external development and preserve the area’s cultural significance. Jones, recognized with the Order of Canada for her human rights work, emphasizes the importance of maintaining community control over historically Black lands.

Future Developments

The Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust is now developing the province’s first community-owned housing project, marking a significant step toward sustainable, affordable housing solutions for African Nova Scotian communities.

These initiatives represent a growing movement to protect Black heritage while creating sustainable housing solutions for future generations, building on a legacy of community resilience that spans more than two centuries.