Government initiative to transform surplus lands into nearly 3,900 affordable homes
The federal government has added 12 new properties to the Canada Public Land Bank as part of its housing plan to build 4 million new homes and improve affordability for Canadians.
The latest expansion aims to create nearly 3,900 housing units in various regions across the country, including Alberta, New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec, and Yukon. The newly listed properties span nine provinces and two territories, including locations in:
- Calgary, Alberta: Sites in Currie, such as Calais Drive and Quesnay Wood Drive.
- Bracebridge, Ontario: 98 Manitoba Street.
- Dartmouth, Nova Scotia: 15 Iroquois Drive.
- Laval, Quebec: Land near Laval Penitentiary and Chomedey Boulevard.
- Whitehorse, Yukon: 419-421 Range Road.
These additions bring the total number of federal properties in the Canada Public Land Bank to 83, representing 430 hectares of land. These sites are slated for housing projects targeting middle-class Canadians and those seeking affordable rental options.
"We need to build more homes in Canada, and one of the largest costs in building is land," housing minister Sean Fraser said in a statement. “By building on public lands, we can make it easier to build, and by leasing those same properties, we can make sure the homes built stay affordable for the long term."
Tackling the housing crisis
The Canada Public Land Bank initiative focuses on converting surplus and underused federal lands into affordable housing developments. By leasing public land for housing projects, the government aims to reduce development costs while ensuring long-term affordability.
The Public Lands for Homes Plan, launched in August 2024, is a key part of the government’s strategy to unlock 250,000 new homes by 2031. The plan includes partnerships with municipalities, developers, and Indigenous groups to expedite construction on public lands.
To support this effort, the 2024 federal budget allocated $500 million to establish a Public Lands Acquisition Fund, enabling the government to acquire more land for housing projects. Details on the fund’s implementation are expected soon.
Proposals for housing projects on properties in major cities like Edmonton, Calgary, and Toronto have already been submitted, and evaluations are underway. Additional development opportunities will follow as the government processes feedback from stakeholders.
Read more: Are Canada's public lands bank plans set to solve the housing crisis?
"We are delivering on the most ambitious housing plan in Canadian history, to build 4 million homes and make the housing market fairer for first-time buyers and renters alike,” said deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland. Building more student housing will relieve rental demand for students and confronting the financialization of housing will ensure homes are for Canadians, not a speculative asset class for investors."
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