YARMOUTH, N.S. — The overall outlook and “attitude” of Yarmouth has changed for the better over the past decade – it’s an important factor behind one developer’s huge investment in the housing market.
Andrew Cameron, general manager for Northumberland Properties, which includes Ocean Breeze Estates, established two buildings (four units in each) at the corner of the Haley Road and Forest Street in 2010.
It was a hard year for Yarmouth, the first in a century with no ferry service link to New England. Many businesses struggled with the loss of tourism dollars.
But in 2011, Cameron added 12 more units and continued the expansion of tidy-looking, one-storey connected villas towards a total of 60 units along the Haley Road in following years.
There’s now construction on Jarvis Street and several two-storey builds on South East Street – now adding up to a total of 114.
In 2015 the business expanded to Amherst to complete 72 units, with four more under construction.
In the beginning, solar panels were incorporated into some of the Ocean Breeze Estates units. Cameron says they’ve shifted more towards other means of saving energy, including insulation, water heaters and heat pumps.
“Other technology came along and became more cost-effective for us,” he says. “Heat pumps make the apartment-sized spaces comfortable in the winter and also provide air conditioning in the summertime. There are a few weeks a year where it makes a difference.”
Northumberland Properties targets mature adults – 50-ish in age – as long-term tenants. Some of the two-floor apartments are better suited to younger professionals, says Cameron.
“As people get older they want one level and not having to worry about the steps,” he says.
Living without worrying about maintenance issues, lawn care and snow removal is also appealing.
The company is focusing on three different housing styles, which have different sizes and price points. The original design two-bedroom villas are 1,100 square feet (some with garages) and cost approximately $1,250 a month. Two-bedroom suites are 880 sq. ft. for around $1,050 a month.
Northumberland Properties partnered with Housing Nova Scotia to build one-bedroom 600 sq.-ft. units for seniors on fixed incomes for $750 a month. That includes heat, lights and hot water.
Cameron says his company would like to keep building because they find there is still a demand. Their team is growing and they’re now able to look after more people. Between the Amherst and Yarmouth units, there are seven employed, including several local people.
“I would like to keep growing,” he says.
The atmosphere in Yarmouth is different than it was seven years ago, he adds.
“It’s more positive, things are going well. You can see it around town and the municipality. That also ties in with us doing well. We can keep building and become part of the cycle.”
He commends the town on its planning strategy work and says it has helped to change things for the town.
“I think the mayor and the council and staff have done a lot to help move the town forward.”
Mayor Pam Mood says Cameron has identified a particular need in the Yarmouth housing market, one that specifically addresses people looking for modern, well-managed, one-level rental housing, located within close proximity to town services.
“He has a model that works really well and we are truly fortunate to have him making his investments here in the town of Yarmouth," she says. “He’s a professional developer, he knows his business and understands the role and responsibilities of the town when it comes to development and he’s an absolute pleasure to work with.”
The lands across from Northumberland Properties’ latest build on Jarvis Street are owned by the town and are in the process of being sold to another developer. The zoning is comprehensive development so the developer will have a number of possibilities available, including various housing forms.
More info
For more info on Ocean View Estates and other units, visit the website.
