Friday, April 18, 2025
The Government of Canada and the City of Hamilton announced that they have reached an agreement to fast track over 2,600 housing units over the next three years. This work will help spur the construction of over 9,000 homes over the next decade.
The agreement, under the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) will provide over $93.5 million to eliminate barriers to building the housing we need, faster. It will allow for high-density development near rapid transit, including the future Hamilton LRT stations and make city-owned lands and brownfields available for development. Hamilton has also committed to expanding as-of-right zoning permission for housing, including amending a zoning by-law to allow for the construction of four residential units on one lot. These initiatives are going to significantly improve access to housing in Hamilton.
“Today’s announcement will help fast track over 2,600 permitted units in the next three years and 9,000 units over the next decade. By working with cities, mayors and all levels of government we are helping to get more homes built for Canadians at prices they can afford,” said Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
According the Minister, the Housing Accelerator Fund is helping cut red tape and fast track at least 100,000 new homes for people in towns, cities, and Indigenous communities across Canada. 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.
“More housing will unlock many new opportunities for growth in our Ambitious City. Safe and affordable housing is a catalyst that enables Canadians to achieve other goals—from raising healthy children to pursuing education, jobs and opportunity. We are working everyday to invest in people so they can reach their potential and turn possibilities into realities,” said Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and the MP for Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas.
“I want Hamilton to be a great place to live for people of all ages and income levels. To keep our city affordable, we need to introduce a range of new housing options and introduce innovative new approaches to creating and preserving housing. The Federal government is an essential partner for the City of Hamilton in this work, and I thank them for today’s investment of $93.5 million through the Housing Accelerator Fund,” said Andrea Horwath, Mayor of the City of Hamilton.
Featured image: (Government of Canada)
