New seniors’ housing project could mix with younger tenants
A Southampton housing development for seniors is to get a twin residential project on an adjacent plot of government land.
The present Dr Cann Park, on Sea Express Lane, has 100 one-bedroom units for seniors. The House of Assembly heard that a new development, Dr Cann Park II, would provide older residents with 110 new rental units and could blend seniors’ housing with younger tenants.
Zane DeSilva, the Minister of Housing and Municipalities, spoke after introducing the Bermuda Land Management Corporation Amendment Act 2026.
The legislation would permit the vesting of a portion of the property to the Bermuda Land Management Corporation, providing “the legal authority required to move it forward”.
It came ahead of a motion for the House to approve giving the BLMC legal title and control of the land.
Mr DeSilva told MPs: “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.”
The public wants to see more partnering between the Government and the private sector when it comes to offering an affordable housing solution for the island.
Zane DeSilva, the Minister of Housing and Municipalities, told the House of Assembly that feedback on a ten-year housing strategy had highlighted a need for public-private partnerships.
Other factors raised included “middle-income housing” and accessibility.
Mr DeSilva spoke on the completed Bermuda Affordable Housing Strategy 2025-35, which he tabled in the House. He emphasised that work had already begun due to the pressing need for shelter.
MPs heard the strategy is based on “government-led affordable housing delivery, the rehabilitation of derelict properties and the reactivation of underutilised housing stock”.
The units will be leased to the Bermuda Housing Corporation, which will in turn rent them to “qualified individuals and families from its waiting list”.
Questioned on that point by Michael Fahy, the Shadow Minister of Economy, Labour and Housing, Mr DeSilva said: “In many of our conversations, there’s been talk about mixing communities. There is a possibility that we may have some younger folks in Dr Cann Park II but it’s yet to be determined.”
He added: “Most of the people on our critical list are seniors and they have to be given priority.”
Mr DeSilva said mixing tenants was a possibility for other housing projects planned.
“Certainly the feedback we’ve received is to try and mix our communities so that we have better living conditions for all.”
He said the BHC’s waiting list for families was “over 665 at the present moment”.
Mr Fahy asked about capsule homes planned for Boaz Island in Sandys, which Mr DeSilva confirmed would be installed “before the end of this year”.
Tenancies in the units would range from six to 18 months for candidates from the BHC’s “critical list”. Mr DeSilva said the number on that list was “in excess of 130”.
When asked by Mr Fahy about the planned Housing Authority Act, Mr DeSilva said it was expected to be tabled in the House “this side of Christmas”.
“We are going to try our very best to do that,” he added. He added that he would be open to having consultation on the legislation.
Mr Fahy said the Affordable Housing Strategy laid out “a whole raft of commitments” and asked if there would be an implementation schedule brought to the House.
“I will gladly do that,” Mr DeSilva said.
The minister also told MPs that groundbreaking on another project at Albert Row in Dockyard was expected to start before the end of this month.
• To read the minister’s statements in full, see Related Media
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