Alana Hirtle

It's very north, just under the border. What is the population of Amherst, please?

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Welcome to all of the witnesses today. I will start with you, your worship, Mayor Rob. Thank you for being with us again. Amherst is in northern Nova Scotia.

How would you characterize the community?

Well said. What challenges does the community face regarding affordable housing?

The point is well taken. Thank you for that. In my last 45 seconds, I'll ask Mr. McKay this quickly: How do you see a revitalized Amherst armoury? How would it support veterans and address local housing issues?

Absolutely. Thank you. I appreciate your support throughout this last year as we've tried to come to some reasonable solutions. I think you've outlined much of what the framework could look like, and I appreciate the thought you've put into that. Can you share with me a bit more about what role you think the municipality could play to support the transition of the armoury to housing and [plus]

Thank you so much.

Absolutely. Thank you. Minister of National Defence, David McGuinty In July, I hosted a meeting in the riding with the, to talk about the future of the armoury. You weren't able to be there, but your CAO attended on your behalf. What would you say is the value of having ministers come to the riding to see first-hand what the needs are?

Thank you. What do you think would be the impact of a revitalized armoury for the community of Amherst?

Absolutely. Yes. Thank you. Cumberland—Colchester is a very rural riding in Nova Scotia. I don't have a handle on how many veterans there are who may be unhoused. Have you ever done that kind of digging?

That does not surprise me. Thank you for those numbers. They're really helpful. Mr. Field, I have one minute left. I'm wondering, from a rural perspective, how important it is.... There's been talk about difficulty getting to an urban centre for appointments and services. You talked about something similar to a community hub in your presentation. How important would it be to have these services [plus]

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm very pleased to be here this morning. Thanks to you folks for being here as well. Mr. Field, I was very pleased to hear you mention the idea of a framework for the community hub concept, because that's exactly what I'm hoping this study will lead to: the creation of a framework so that we can take the case study of the Amherst armoury and roll it out across the country [plus]

Thank you. Can you expand on your plans for the armoury? If you get that lovely property handed over to VETS Canada for housing, what will you do there?

The museum, the Nova Scotia Highlanders Regimental Museum, has found a temporary location since the armoury's closure, but we are hoping to have it back and relocate it with the housing units and the other services at the armoury. Thank you for all of that. What would be the benefit of offering a community hub—as you've noted and as Mr. Field referenced—and having not just housing but all the [plus]

Mr. Chair, before you move on, I'd like to add another individual to the witness list.