GANDER, NL,
July 10,
2024 /CNW/ - With federal funding and federal
leadership, we are changing how municipalities let housing get
built in communities. With a greater focus on density and
affordable housing, we are going to get more homes built for
Canadians at prices they can afford.
Today, the Government of Canada
and the Town of Gander announced that they reached an agreement to
fast track 110 homes over the next three years. This work will help
spur the construction of 750 homes over the next decade. The
agreement under the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), will provide
over $4.3 million to eliminate
barriers to building the housing we need, faster.
Gander's Action Plan commits to seven local initiatives such as
increasing affordable housing by providing targeted financial
incentives, removing zoning barriers to permit a broader range of
multi-residential housing options, establishing a municipal land
bank for public lands suitable for housing development, and
identifying and promoting more innovative strategies aimed at
increasing the housing supply.
HAF is helping cut red tape and fast track at least 100,000
permitted new homes over the first three years, which cities and
regions estimate will lead to the creation of over 750,000
permitted new homes for people in towns, cities, and Indigenous
communities across Canada over the
next decade. It asks for innovative action plans from local
governments, and once approved, provides upfront funding to ensure
the timely building of new homes, as well as additional funds upon
delivering results. Local governments are encouraged to think big
and be bold in their approaches, which could include accelerating
project timelines, allowing increased housing density, and
encouraging affordable housing units.
In Budget 2024, the federal government committed an additional
$400 million to incentivize more
local government to fast-track home construction, resulting in an
additional 12,000 new homes permitted over the next four years.
The Government of Canada is
making life more affordable for Canadians — and housing is key to
our work. We will continue to work with provincial, territorial,
and municipal governments, as well as Indigenous partners, to keep
building more homes for Canadians, faster.
Quotes:
"We are excited and proud to announce this partnership Gander
today. With initiatives like removing zoning barriers, establishing
a municipal land bank and identifying more innovative strategies,
Gander will ensure that they have more of the kind of homes needed
to tackle the housing crisis. We will keep working with
municipalities, mayors, Indigenous partners, and all levels of
government, to get more homes built for Canadians at prices they
can afford." – The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister
of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
"Building more homes for people in Gander, faster. That's how
your federal government is solving the housing crisis. Working with
the Town of Gander, we are going to make sure families have a safe,
affordable place to live."- The Honourable Gudie
Hutchings, Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Canada
Opportunities Agency, Minister of Rural Economic Development,
Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains
"Receiving this Federal funding is a significant milestone for
Gander, enabling us to implement innovative solutions to increase
our housing supply, making it more affordable and diverse for all
residents. This funding drives a national discussion on new and
creative housing solutions, representing a paradigm shift in urban
planning to meet current and future needs. We are committed to
creating a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient community with safe
and sustainable housing for everyone. Embracing unique and novel
approaches will require community discussion and acceptance." -
Percy Farwell, Mayor of
Gander
Quick Facts:
- Launched in March 2023, the
Housing Accelerator Fund is a $4.4
billion initiative from the Government of Canada that will run until 2027-28. The first
round of funding totalled $4 billion,
and Budget 2024 added an additional $400
million to this program.
- The Housing Accelerator Fund is part of Canada's National Housing Strategy (NHS), an
$82+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home.
Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly
at www.placetocallhome.ca. The Housing Funding
Initiatives Map shows affordable housing projects that have been
developed.
- As of March 2024, the federal
government has committed $50.97
billion to support the creation of over 146,000 units and
the repair of over 286,000 units. These measures prioritize those
in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people
experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children
fleeing violence.
Associated Links:
- Housing Accelerator Fund
- Housing Accelerator Fund – Building more homes, faster
- Building more homes, faster
- Making housing more affordable for Canadians
- National Housing Strategy
SOURCE Government of Canada