Advocates told a municipal committee Thursday that Halifax needs revolutionary change when it comes to creating more social and affordable housing.

"We virtually have had no new social housing built in Halifax since 1993," said Kaisa Tota, a community planner.

The Housing and Homelessness Partnership estimates that 20 percent of Halifax's population can't afford average rents.

3,000 units

"We need to preserve what we have and build 3,000 new units over the next five years, " said Max Chauvin, chair of the partnership.

Coun. Waye Mason, who chairs Halifax's Community Planning and Economic Development Committee, lamented the loss of the Harbour City housing.

"We are making a mistake letting that stock go," said Mason. "We have a crisis and we need to act."

Coun. Jennifer Watts said some municipal rules need to change.

"We're looking to redevelop the former St. Pat's High." Watts said. "And there's no ability for us right now to have an affordable housing requirement."

North end demolition ironic, group says

An official with the Ecology Action Centre says discussion about the need to preserve affordable housing is ironic in light of the destruction of some north end properties to make way for a larger car dealership.

"It's really contrary to the direction we should be going," said Tristan Cleveland.

Presentation to council

The committee asked the affordable housing advocates to return to city hall and make their presentation to the regional council.

Meanwhile the Housing and Homelessness Partnership hopes to have three apartment units available by this fall for people who cannot use traditional shelters.

Right now there are no options for homeless families who want to stay together, people with disabilities and those who identify as transgender.