HAY
RIVER, NT, April 26, 2024 /CNW/ - With federal
funding and federal leadership, we are changing how municipalities
let housing get built in their communities. With a greater focus on
higher density housing, 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 Hay River announced that they reached an agreement
to fast track 30 homes in the next three years and spur the
construction of over 170 homes over the next decade.
The agreement, under the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), will
provide over $2 million to eliminate
barriers to building the housing we need, faster. Hay Rivers'
Action Plan commits to nine local initiatives that enable a variety
of housing forms and densities to meet the diverse needs of the
community. Planned initiatives will create guidelines for
pre-approved additional homes, incentivize development of underused
or idle lands, amend bylaws and policies to support downtown
residential development and transitional housing, and support
alternative construction methods with a reduced carbon
footprint.
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.
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:
"With initiatives like amending bylaws to support downtown
residential development, supporting alternative construction
methods to reduce carbon footprints and promoting building homes on
underused lands, this agreement will help make sure that
Hay River has more of the kinds of
homes we need to tackle the housing crisis. We are going to 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
"Through innovation and partnerships with local governments, we
can build the homes we need in our cities and towns and create
affordable inclusive and diverse communities. Partnering with
Hay River through the Housing
Accelerator Fund does just that. We will continue to work to make
life more affordable and create strong, more prosperous communities
here in the Northwest Territories
and across our great country." – Michael McLeod, Member of Parliament for the
Northwest Territories
"The Council of the Town of Hay River is happy to receive
support through the Housing Accelerator Fund to continue its
efforts to increase the stock of safe, diverse, efficient, and
affordable housing in Hay River.
This is an important next step to advance key housing initiatives
identified in our Community Strategic Housing Plan." –
Kandis Jameson, Mayor of
Hay River
Quick Facts:
- Launched in March 2023, the
Housing Accelerator Fund is a $4
billion initiative from the Government of Canada that will run until 2026-27.
- The Housing Accelerator Fund is part of Canada's National Housing Strategy, 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 December 31, 2023, the
Government of Canada has committed
nearly $43 billion to support the
creation of almost 135,000 units and the repair of over 270,000
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