Mr. Speaker, I rise today to update this Honourable House on the decisive actions this Government is taking to increase the supply of affordable housing and deliver more homes for Bermudians.
Housing affordability remains one of the most pressing challenges facing our community. Too many Bermudians, particularly seniors and working families, are struggling to secure suitable accommodation at a price they can afford. This Government has made it clear that increasing the supply of affordable housing is a priority, and we are taking the practical steps necessary to turn that commitment into reality.
Mr. Speaker, today, I am pleased to report another significant step forward in that effort.
The Government is advancing the Dr. Cann Park II Affordable Housing Development, a project that will deliver 110 new rental units, with a primary focus on providing affordable accommodation for Bermuda’s seniors.
This development represents one of the largest additions to Bermuda’s affordable housing stock in recent years and reflects this Government’s commitment to increasing housing supply, creating more housing options, and ensuring that more Bermudians have access to safe, quality, and affordable homes.
For many seniors living on fixed incomes, securing suitable housing has become increasingly difficult. Dr. Cann Park II is intended to help address that need by providing modern, affordable rental accommodation while supporting independent living and strengthening housing security for those who need it most.
Mr. Speaker, to advance this important project, earlier today I introduced the Bermuda Land Management Corporation Amendment Act 2026, which will facilitate the vesting of a portion of Government-owned vacant land in Southampton, adjacent to the existing Dr. Cann Park development, to the Bermuda Land Management Corporation.
This is a necessary step to enable the development to proceed and to ensure that the entity responsible for delivering the project has the legal authority required to move it forward.
Mr. Speaker, the delivery of affordable housing on the scale required demands a coordinated Government effort. That is precisely what is taking place.
The Ministry of Housing and Municipalities is leading this initiative in partnership with the Bermuda Land Management Corporation, the Bermuda Housing Corporation, the Ministry of Public Works and Environment, the Department of Public Lands and Buildings, and the Attorney General’s Chambers. Each organisation has a critical role in ensuring that housing projects move from planning to construction and ultimately into the hands of Bermudians who need them.
As part of that coordinated effort, my Honourable colleague, the Minister of Public Works and Environment, will table a motion later today seeking the approval of this Honourable House for the vesting of the property required to advance the Dr. Cann Park II development.
The Bermuda Land Management Corporation is helping to lead the delivery of the Government’s affordable housing construction programme. As previously announced, the first phase of the Government’s housing strategy includes developments at Victoria Place, Albert Row in Dockyard, and Tommy Fox Road in St. David’s, alongside the progression of Dr. Cann Park II.
Together, these developments represent a significant expansion of affordable housing stock and demonstrate that this Government is moving beyond plans and proposals and into delivery.
Mr. Speaker, for the Bermuda Land Management Corporation to finance, construct, and deliver these developments, it must possess legal title and control of the lands involved. Vesting the property provides the authority necessary for BLMC to undertake the work and ensure timely delivery.
This Government is focused not only on planning housing projects but on removing barriers that delay construction and hinder progress. Every step we take is aimed at accelerating the delivery of affordable homes for Bermudians.
Mr. Speaker, I also wish to inform Honourable Members and the public that once completed, these units will be leased to the Bermuda Housing Corporation, which will in turn rent them to qualified individuals and families from its waiting list.
Mr. Speaker, most importantly, this Government’s housing strategy is no longer confined to plans and proposals. We are now seeing visible progress on the ground.
I am pleased to confirm that ground-breaking at Albert Row is expected to commence before the end of this month, marking another important milestone in our affordable housing programme. This is the progress Bermudians expect. Not promises. Not concepts. Delivery.
Mr. Speaker, while I will provide more detailed updates on the Housing Initiative during future sessions of this Honourable House, today’s actions demonstrate that the Government’s strategy is advancing and that the partnerships necessary to deliver new housing are working.
I wish to thank the Ministry of Public Works and Environment, the Department of Public Lands and Buildings, the Attorney General’s Chambers, the Board and management of the Bermuda Land Management Corporation, the Board and management of the Bermuda Housing Corporation, and the officers of the Ministry of Housing and Municipalities for their commitment and hard work in advancing these projects.
Together, we are taking decisive action to expand Bermuda’s housing stock, increase opportunities for affordable living, and ensure that more Bermudians can access the housing they need.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
