Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of St. Catharines had a record year for building permits, issuing over 1,025 new dwelling units in 2025 and exceeding its goal set by a federal housing program.
Out of these, 1,001 units benefited from $4.5 million in funding through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Housing Accelerator Fund. The city noted that this total included around 900 purpose-built rental units and 43 affordable housing units. Additionally, it approved incentives for 44 accessory dwelling units in 2025.
In January 2024, the federal housing agency revealed a $25.7-million agreement lasting four years with St. Catharines under the program, which provides financial aid to municipalities to expedite housing construction via policy changes and incentives.
“The City’s Housing Accelerator Fund program is working and driving measurable increases in housing supply,” said Mayor Mat Siscoe.
Officials are now waiting for confirmation of $6.4 million in funding for year three in 2026.
During the first two years of the program, council has allocated $12.8 million for policy adjustments and financial incentives aimed at enhancing housing supply.
Since 2024, the city has issued permits for 1,483 new units. This leaves just 899 units needed to hit its four-year target of 2,382 new dwelling units.
“This federal investment has spurred transformative policy changes and accelerated development through a variety of incentive programs,” said chief administrative officer David Oakes.
The momentum is continuing into 2026, with permits for an additional 500 units expected soon along with the creation of a municipal development corporation that has acquired five surplus city-owned properties and signed agreements for an 800-unit phased rental development as well as a project with 22 rental units.
A downtown forgivable loan program has also helped support the addition of 12 new units in vacant spaces, while green infrastructure elements are being integrated into the Sunset Beach renovation project as part of efforts to promote climate-resilient growth.
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