Submarine Boom in Halifax: Thousands of Jobs on the Horizon, But at What Cost?

When Canada chose German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to build up to 12 new submarines, it opened the door for Halifax to experience an employment boom over the next decade. Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore predicts "tens of thousands of jobs" will be generated, starting with the construction of a massive submarine facility.

However, this surge comes at a time when Halifax is already grappling with a housing shortage and an affordability crisis. Mayor Fillmore acknowledges the challenge: "It's a problem, and we have an affordability crisis for housing in Halifax."

Cherry Laxton, COO of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, worries the vulnerable population will be hit hardest. "I would really be hopeful that the municipality, the province, and the federal government would help us to ensure that we can mitigate the giant impact," she said.

Housing costs have skyrocketed. Royal LePage Atlantic President Matt Honsberger notes that the average price for a single-family home rose from just over $300,000 pre-COVID to over $600,000 now. He emphasizes that monthly affordability is key for workers attracted to the submarine jobs.

Mayor Fillmore insists there is a strategy to build more affordable homes, but time is running out. "We will have to do this work quickly," he said, as the submarines and the jobs are coming—but many fear they won't find a place to live.