In celebration of Black History Month, we’re thrilled to highlight the leadership of four Black-led and Black-serving Community Land Trusts (CLTs) in Nova Scotia. These CLTs are reshaping what community ownership looks like across the province.
North End “New Roots” Community Land Trust
North End “New Roots” CLT advances a community‑owned vision for the Cogswell district while helping protect North End African Nova Scotian residents from further displacement. Their vision includes a mixed‑use, mixed‑income development combining deeply affordable homes, a Black cultural and recreational center, and commercial spaces for Black-owned businesses.
“Land is more than just property; it is the foundation of our sovereignty and future. Let’s keep building this ecosystem of community ownership across the province.” — Treno Morton, President & CEO, North End “New Roots” CLT
Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust
Founded in 2022, Upper Hammonds Plains CLT (UHPCLT) is a descendant‑led nonprofit based in a historic African Nova Scotian community established by Black Refugees from the War of 1812. UHPCLT leads work in community housing and land reclamation and is developing the largest Black-led housing cooperative currently under construction in Canada.
Recent funding supports staffing and administration, the development of a provincial Black‑led CLT strategy, and commitments to building meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities.
“Support gives UHPCLT the stability to grow at the pace our mission requires and the room to think big, plan responsibly, and keep pushing forward for our community.” Curtis Whiley, CEO, Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust
Weymouth Falls Community Land Trust
Founded in 2023, Weymouth Falls CLT is rooted in one of Nova Scotia’s oldest rural African Nova Scotian settlements, home to Black Loyalist descendants. Their work addresses the dual marginalization of being Black and rural, with a focus on land stewardship, cultural preservation, and energy security. The CLT is restoring the historic Mount Beulah Baptist Church as a climate‑resilient community hub and developing a 10‑year energy transition strategy and land acquisition plan.
They aim to “ensure the land, stories, and spirit of the community remain in the hands of the people who call it home.”
— Dale Jarvis, Vice President, Weymouth Falls Community Land Trust
Down the Marsh Community Land Trust
Founded in 2022, Down the Marsh CLT is rooted in Truro — one of the province’s oldest African Nova Scotian communities. The CLT is leading efforts to revitalize and strengthen the local African Nova Scotian community through land-based development and stewardship.
Their vision for the future is clear:
“The long-term preservation of Black land ownership in Truro, and the creation of generational economic opportunities for African Nova Scotians through permanently affordable housing, social enterprise development, and cultural land-based spaces.” Dr. Lynn Jones, Chair and Founder, Down the Marsh Community Land Trust
A Shared Commitment Across the Province
All together, these CLTs are “committed to building bridges between rural, suburban and urban Black communities ensuring that diverse African Nova Scotian experiences shape the future of land stewardship in the province.”