First eviction notices issued at 1,000-tenant housing complex

For more than 1,000 tenants in a close-knit housing complex in Dartmouth, N.S., many of whom have lived in the community for years, the future is uncertain.

For more than 1,000 tenants in a close-knit housing complex in Dartmouth, N.S., many of whom have lived in the community for years, the future is uncertain.

The real estate group that plans to redevelop the site and increase housing density said the long-term lease tenants who must leave their units will be offered similar apartments elsewhere in the complex for the same rents.

The group, Basin Heights Community Partnership LP, said in a statement that based on projected vacancies at Ocean Breeze it is confident there will be enough units for those residents to move into.

In July 2022, Ocean Breeze residents were told the property had been purchased by Basin Heights Community Partnership LP. It includes Cresco, Fares & Co. Development and T & H Group Developments.

At the time, the group said it planned to "reimagine" the property. Recently, the plans have become more clear.

A website created for residents shows three phases of redevelopment, with construction beginning in 2024. Basin Heights Community Partnership told CBC News in an email that 83 units across 14 buildings will be impacted by the first phases.

Phase 2, according to the website, will likely range from townhouses to mixed-use high-rises, and will include at least 495 units. Another section is labelled as Phase 3.

The rest of the community is listed as "future phases" on the website. The group told CBC no timeline has been established for the complete redevelopment.

The notices issued this week tell residents their leases will terminate on May 31, 2024. It gives them two options: relocate to a new unit in the community with the same rent, with moving expenses covered up to $1,500; or leave Ocean Breeze Village and take three months' rent and $3,500 as compensation.