Unlocking the Potential of Canada's Housing Accelerator Fund: Top 10 Initiatives for Municipalities

Across the vast Canadian landscape, more than 500 municipalities are in a race to secure a slice of the federal government's Housing Accelerator Fund. With approximately $420 million already distributed from the $4 billion initiative, the spotlight is on five pioneering cities: London, Vaughan, Hamilton, Brampton, and Halifax. The collective vision of these approved applications offers insights into what the federal government seeks to encourage. As we eagerly await further decisions, Housing Minister Sean Fraser has unveiled the top 10 initiatives that municipalities should embrace to bolster their chances of success.

While this multi-billion-dollar investment by the federal government is substantial, it's important to remember that it's not limitless. Approval isn't guaranteed solely by submitting an application; we're on the lookout for the most ambitious proposals. Thus, other cities with pending applications are urged to consider these recommended changes to strengthen their odds of securing funding under the Housing Accelerator Fund.

1. Ending Exclusionary Zoning

Encourage mixed-use developments and high-density residential projects in urban cores and near transit hubs. Expand zoning regulations to allow for more stories or units on a property, such as multiplexes. This shift in zoning is critical to effectively address the housing crisis.

2. Municipal Land for Housing

Open up municipally-owned lands for housing through various means like disposition, acquisition, and pre-development. These lands are already being directed towards affordable housing solutions.

3. Process Efficiency

Embrace new technologies and software to expedite the development approval process, reducing the time it takes for new homes to be constructed.

4. Enhance Development Approval

Streamline development approval processes for specific types of homes based on the municipality's needs, whether it's rental housing or affordable homes.

5. Development Charges and Fees

Review development charges and fee schedules, focusing on permits associated with affordable housing to avoid adding unnecessary costs to construction projects.

6. Parking Standards

Consider reducing or eliminating parking standards to free up space for development and create transit-reliant communities, simultaneously increasing density and reducing carbon footprints.

7. Eliminating Restrictions

Remove restrictions related to building height, setbacks, additional dwelling units, or floor area, allowing for a wider range of housing types.

8. Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plans

Establish an affordable housing strategy with dedicated staff to accelerate the deployment of affordable housing projects.

9. Guidelines for Housing Design

Pre-approve building plans for specific housing types that address local concerns, such as missing middle housing or accessory dwelling units, streamlining the development process.

10. Grant Programs

Create grant programs that incentivize housing types aligned with the Housing Accelerator Fund's goals, such as missing middle housing, row homes, purpose-built rentals, or innovative construction techniques like modular, pre-fabricated, and mass timber construction.

These initiatives are poised to transform the Canadian housing landscape, making cities more accessible, affordable, and sustainable. Municipalities should consider adopting these recommendations to secure their place in the Housing Accelerator Fund and contribute to resolving the housing crisis.