Innovative programs aim to transform the housing landscape
The Government of Canada has announced an investment exceeding $2.1 billion to support the construction and repair of 22,417 homes across Ontario. The government said the funding, distributed through 234 housing projects, aims to address critical housing needs, particularly for vulnerable populations, under the National Housing Strategy (NHS).
A news release highlighted that the investment includes contributions and low-cost loans, allocated through various programs targeting diverse housing challenges:
- Affordable Housing Fund (AHF): $305.7 million in loans and $129.6 million in contributions will fund the creation of 2,319 new units and the repair of 1,047 units across 38 projects.
- Affordable Housing Innovation Fund (AHIF): $118,750 in loans and $96.3 million in contributions will support 3,671 new units across seven projects.
- Apartment Construction Loan Program (ACLP): $1.44 billion in loans will finance 3,306 new rental units across 15 projects, with affordability conditions attached.
- Canada Greener Affordable Housing (CGAH): $7.89 million in loans and $38.8 million in contributions will assist in repairing 10,615 units across 161 projects, with a focus on energy efficiency.
- Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI): $85.8 million in contributions will facilitate 246 new units and repair 45 units across 11 projects.
- Federal Lands Initiative (FLI): $9.95 million in contributions will help create 1,168 new units across two projects.
“The market alone won't deliver the housing affordability we need. These projects represent major progress in returning a strong federal role to affordable and non-market housing,” said Housing Minister Nathaniel Erskine-Smith. “It’s now time to double down on that commitment.”
The projects will serve diverse populations, including seniors, Indigenous communities, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and women and children fleeing domestic violence. The investments also emphasize energy efficiency, climate adaptation, and innovative construction techniques.
Ontario housing providers have already received funding to assess pre-retrofit activities for deep energy retrofits through the CGAH program. Further project-specific announcements are expected in the coming weeks.
Since September 2024, the federal government has committed $57.57 billion through the NHS, supporting the creation of over 156,000 units and the repair of more than 297,000 units. The NHS employs a human rights-based approach to housing, prioritizing those at risk of homelessness and other vulnerable groups.
Further information on housing projects and initiatives is available through the Housing Funding Initiatives Map.
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