Welcome To
DownTheMarsh Community Land Trust (DTM CLT)
Creating Thriving African Nova Scotian Communities in Truro
WHAT WE DO:
Mission
Our mission is to create thriving ANS communities by developing collectively-owned land assets
Vision
We envision housing on community-owned land that promotes wellness, wealth, and wholeness for African Nova Scotian families.
About Us:
DownTheMarsh Community Land Trust (DTM CLT) is an emerging Black owned and Black led community land trust based in Truro, NS, founded and incorporated in 2022. It aims to address the ongoing erasure of African Nova Scotian (ANS) communities due to gentrification, systemic racism, and environmental injustices.
01
Environmental Justice
Champion environmental justice and advocacy for marginalized communities through equitable land ownership and sustainable practices.
02
Community Wellness
Prioritize community health and well-being through holistic approaches to land stewardship and inclusive wellness initiatives.
03
Housing Development
Support innovative housing solutions that puts community ownership, equity, and sustainable development practices first.
Our Objective:
DownTheMarsh Community Land Trust (DMT CLT) aims to support African Nova Scotians and families of African heritage impacted by systemic racism, discrimination, gentrification and economic inequality.
Grounded in Africentric values, we pursue reparations through land access, community development, and intergenerational wealth creation to empower African Nova Scotian families in Truro, Colchester County, and beyond by ensuring secure tenure, affordable housing, and inheritance opportunities.
Initially, we aim to acquire six to eight properties to build mixed housing units of high-quality, affordable housing.
Our Highlights and Achievements:
Our Plan:
EDUCATION FOR KEY COLLABORATORS AND INFLUENCERS:
Reparations, education, community building, heritage and legacy
HOME AND COMMUNITY FOR ANS:
Reparations, education, community building and preservation of culture and heritage
RECLAMATION OF PROPERTIES:
Formerly held by ANS community members
LAND TAKEN OUT OF THE MARKET:
Affordable housing solutions and community led development for the Truro Black Community
MOBILIZATION OF ANS COMMUNITY:
DTM CLT Membership and ongoing development
CREATION AND PROVISION OF HOUSING:
Affordable to community members in Truro and their descendants
Team Members
Executive Committee:
Dr. Lynn Jones
Chair and Founder
Dr. Denise Gillard
Vice-Chair
Tracey Jones Grant
Treasurer
Staff Members:
Blessing Tangban - Chika Nwozaku
Board Members:
Hello, there! We’ll be glad to hear from you. Send us your thoughts.
Join Us
Become a Member
Become a member, volunteer, or investor to help restore and grow the African Nova Scotian community in the Marsh.
FAQS
What is a community Land Trust?
Community land trusts are non-profit, community-based organizations designed to ensure community stewardship of land. The assets on that land – houses, apartments, community gardens, buildings used for non-profits and social enterprises – are for community. The CLT removes those assets from the public marketplace.
People can purchase the house or rent the apartment. They can participate in the community garden or work for the non-profit or social enterprises within the buildings. But because the CLT holds the land beneath them and enters long-term lease agreements, those assets remain affordable for the homeowner or tenant in perpetuity. Even when the homeowner or tenant changes, that home will remain affordable for the next person.
Community land trusts can be used for many types of development (including commercial and retail), but are primarily used to ensure long-term housing affordability.
In Canada, there are over forty established and emerging community land trusts stewarding
(i.e. sustainably holding and managing) over 10,000 homes as well as businesses and community spaces.
What is DownTheMarsh Community Land Trust (DTM CLT)?
DownTheMarsh Community Land Trust (DTM CLT) is an early-stage, rural, Afrocentric community land trust in Truro, Nova Scotia. DTM CLT’s aims to develop housing on collectively owned land, building wellness, wealth, and wholeness for African Nova Scotian (ANS) people. Our initial goal is to acquire six to eight properties for the development of up to 40 units of high-quality affordable housing for ANS and other Black households.
How does DTM CLT acquire land?
To acquire land, money would be raised through the donations and fundraising efforts of community members. All money raised would be held in trust by the Community Lands Trust Society and used to buy lands of interest. Specific campaigns could be organized to raise funds for a specific purchase. The
trust could also receive contributions from foundations and government.
What happens to the land once DTM CLT acquires it?
The trust acquires land and maintains ownership of it permanently. With prospective homeowners, it enters into a long-term, renewable lease instead of a traditional sale. When the homeowner sells, the family and/or owner of the property earns only a portion of the increased property value. The remainder is kept by the trust, preserving the affordability for future low- to moderate-income families.
How can I support DTM CLT?
You can support DTM CLT by donating, volunteering your time or skills, and spreading the word through social media or community networks. Attending or helping organize events, advocating for policies that support Black-led community land ownership, and offering professional expertise in areas like law, planning, or fundraising are also impactful ways to contribute.
You can deepen your involvement by becoming a member or ally, participating in educational events, and helping raise awareness about the importance of land justice and community control. Reach out directly to DTM CLT to learn more about their current needs and how you can plug in.
Who governs DTM CLT?
A Community Land Trust (CLT) is governed by a Board of Directors that provides strategic oversight, but it can hire paid staff to manage the day-to-day operations of the CLT.
What are the benefits of preserving land through DTM CLT?
Preserving land through DTM CLT helps protect long-term community control, prevent displacement, and ensure that land and housing remain affordable for future generations. It supports Black-led ownership and stewardship, fosters economic stability, and creates space for cultural, social, and environmental initiatives rooted in the community’s needs. By removing land from the speculative market, DTM CLT builds collective power, strengthens local resilience, and promotes equity in access to land and housing.
Does DTM CLT work with other organizations?
Yes, DTM CLT works with other organizations through partnerships and collaborations to strengthen community impact, share resources, and support land stewardship and affordable housing efforts.
How does DTM CLT ensure the long-term sustainability of its conservation efforts?
DTM CLT ensures the long-term sustainability of its conservation efforts by maintaining community ownership, using land trusts to keep property permanently affordable, and implementing stewardship practices that prioritize equity, environmental care, and generational access.
Can landowners benefit from donating land to DTM CLT?
You can receive federal income tax deductions and provincial income tax credits for donating a qualified land property to a land conservancy.
How can I stay informed about DTM CLT's activities and events?
You may do this by signing up to become our member. As a member, you'll receive regular updates about our programs, events, and advocacy work through email newsletters and announcements. In addition to membership, you can follow us on social media and check our website for the latest news and upcoming events.
Does DTM CLT provide educational programs?
Yes, DTM CLT provides educational programs through community outreach, participation in events and summits, and the distribution of knowledge transfer materials like brochures that share the history, mission, and impact of the organization and the broader community land trust movement.