Helping build more homes, faster in the City of Belleville

BELLEVILLE, ON, Feb. 5, 2025 /CNW/ - To make progress towards solving the housing crisis we need to build more homes at prices that Canadians can afford, faster. To do this we need to end restrictive zoning and speed up permitting, and add greater density, especially near transit and post-secondary institutions. The Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) will cut this red tape and fast-track at least 112,000 new homes by 2028, which cities and regions estimate will lead to the creation of over 750,000 new homes for people in towns, cities, and Indigenous communities across Canada over the next decade.

Today, the Government of Canada and City of Belleville announced that they reached an agreement to accelerate the construction of 259 homes over the next three years. This work will help spur the construction of 10,540 homes over the next decade. This agreement under the second round of the HAF, will provide over $10.5 million to eliminate barriers to building the housing we need, faster.

HAF requires action plans from local governments, unlocking funding to ensure the timely implementation of housing initiatives, with subsequent payments 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 City of Belleville's Action Plan commits to eight local initiatives which includes systemic changes through rezoning to allow four units as-of-right, promoting a greater range of housing types, and exploring higher density permissions in strategic areas. The development approvals process will be streamlined to reduce red tape by delegating staff authority over minor rezoning and variances, with a concierge service for missing middle and affordable housing developments. In addition, supply and affordability will be enhanced through the promotion of alternative housing solutions, a refresh of the financial incentives, and the disposition of city-owned lands for affordable housing.

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:

"Our government is committed to removing barriers and cutting red tape to enable housing development, and these partnerships with Ontario communities will do just that." – The Honourable Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

"As a City, we remain committed to increasing our housing supply and addressing the dire need for affordable options for residents. Today's announcement will allow us to incent and expand diverse housing options in our community. On behalf of the City of Belleville and council, I would like to thank the Government of Canada for their generous contribution to supporting the growth of our city."– Neil Ellis, Mayor of the City of Belleville

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 and Canada's Housing Plan, the most ambitious federal housing plan in over 40 years. 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 September 2024, the federal government has committed $57.57 billion to support the creation of over 156,000 units and the repair of over 297,000 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.
• In Budget 2024, the federal government committed an additional $400 million to incentivize more local governments to fast-track home construction, resulting in an additional 12,000 new homes permitted over the next four years.

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 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)