Effort to fast-track the building of 330 homes in three years
The Canadian government has taken a significant step forward in addressing the country's housing crisis by partnering with several Nova Scotian municipalities to expedite the construction of more than 330 homes in three years and 1,800 homes in ten years.
This initiative is part of the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), which has earmarked more than $9.1 million to streamline housing development processes in these areas, with a focus on higher-density, student, near-transit, and affordable housing options.
“By working with municipalities, mayors, Indigenous partners and all levels of government we are helping to get more homes built for Canadians at prices they can afford." Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Sean Fraser said.
Kings County is set to benefit from nearly $6 million of this fund, supporting a comprehensive Action Plan. The plan includes a variety of strategies such as permitting up to four housing units as-of-right in urban zones, encouraging the use of modular, manufactured, and prefabricated housing, and simplifying the development process through an e-permitting system.
On the other hand, Lunenburg's allocation of over $1.1 million will back six local initiatives under its own Action Plan. Efforts include establishing zones for comprehensive development and transferring municipal land to developers under the condition that 10% of housing is affordable.
The plan also outlines support for the aging population through rebates on municipal fees for accessible housing units, alongside initiatives for heritage conservation and sustainable infrastructure to support housing development.
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Chester is receiving close to $2 million to implement nine initiatives aimed at increasing housing density and integrating climate risk management into housing policies. The municipality plans to encourage the development of townhouses and multiplexes, utilize municipal land for affordable housing development, streamline the permitting process with e-permitting, and attract developer investment through a targeted campaign.
In addition, Chester aims to facilitate the development of various types of housing, including duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes, and offer incentives for affordable housing development.
The HAF's goal to fast-track the approval of at least 100,000 new homes in its first three years is part of a broader national effort to tackle the housing crisis. By reducing bureaucratic red tape, the initiative is set to contribute to the construction of more than 750,000 new homes across Canada over the next decade.
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