New Roots Community Land Trust

Securing the economic and cultural legacy of the North End’s African Nova Scotian Community

Over 60 years ago, 10 blocks of homes and local businesses were demolished to build the Cogswell Interchange—on the land where our community once stood.

Many African Nova Scotians who were displaced by this development settled in the North End. Today, our community faces further displacement through gentrification. 

black and white photo of a street corner, lined with 2 and 3 storey wood buildings with apartments above and shops below

Jacob Street in 1953. (Halifax Municipal Archives)

The New Roots Community Land Trust was formed to ensure the African Nova Scotian community can benefit from the redevelopment of the Cogswell Interchange.

Our goal is to acquire a land parcel in the Cogswell project for the stewardship and benefit of the African Nova Scotian North End Community. Our vision is to build a mixed-use, mixed-market development with community spaces, a Black cultural and recreational centre, and commercial spaces for Black-owned businesses.

The Cogswell Interchange. (Ben MacLeod / Wikimedia Commons)

The Cogswell Interchange was a long-standing symbol of displacement for African Nova Scotians.

The interchange is now being torn down again and will be rebuilt into a new community.

The planned redevelopment brings opportunities to address harms of the past and ensure that these lands reflect the diverse and rich tapestry of the entire Halifax community.

Conceptual rendering showing two apartment towers built on top of a 3-storey podium with space for a recreation centre and Black-owned businesses. There is public space and trees throughout the site

Conceptual rendering of a proposed development by the New Roots Land Trust, including mixed-market rental units, social spaces, commercial space for Black-owned businesses, and a community recreation centre. (Illustration: Happy Cities)

New Roots is committed to securing the economic and cultural legacy of the North End African Nova Scotian Community.

We aim to do this by:

  • Acquiring and developing a parcel in the new Cogswell District

  • Restoring and protecting existing affordable housing in the North End

  • Building real estate development capacity within the African Nova Scotian community

Map showing the North End area, north of Downtown Halifax

Map of the North End, Halifax.

Join us!

New Roots is a new organization, and we are actively encouraging members from the North End African Nova Scotian community to join our cause. Signing up today enables you to:

  • Stay in touch with latest events and activities

  • Vote in the next board election cycle or join the board yourself

  • Support the NRCLT by helping us create a database of ANS community members in the North End

Donate to the New Roots Community Land Trust

Your donation will play a crucial role in supporting the New Roots Community Land Trust (NRCLT) as we embark on a transformative journey to reclaim and revitalize our community. This funding will primarily be directed towards startup and soft costs incurred by the CLT, enabling us to establish a solid foundation for sustainable growth and impact.