Right now, in communities all over the country, constructing the housing we need, especially affordable options, is just too difficult. That’s why the federal government is teaming up with municipalities to remove obstacles and build more homes quickly so Canadians – from young families to seniors and newcomers – can find a place they can afford.
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the federal government has made an agreement with the City of Vaughan, Ontario, to expedite over 1,700 new housing units and encourage thousands of additional homes in the next three years. This effort will help kickstart the construction of more than 40,000 homes over the coming decade and meet demands in one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities.
This agreement falls under the Housing Accelerator Fund and will provide over $59 million to help clear away barriers to building necessary housing faster. It will support high-density development close to public transit, including GO train and subway stations, prioritize apartment buildings and affordable housing projects, and update old permitting systems to speed up development. Vaughan will also change a zoning by-law allowing for up to four residential units on a single lot.
The Housing Accelerator Fund aims to reduce red tape and fast track at least 100,000 new homes for people living in towns, cities, and Indigenous communities across Canada. It invites local governments to submit creative action plans; once approved, it provides upfront funding for timely home construction along with additional funds based on successful outcomes. Local governments are encouraged to be ambitious in their strategies which may include speeding up project timelines, increasing housing density, and promoting affordable housing units.
The Government of Canada is working towards making life more affordable for Canadians – with housing being a key focus. Our plan aims to double the rate of home building within the next decade which will help us create needed housing supply. We’ll keep collaborating with provincial, territorial, municipal governments as well as Indigenous partners so we can continue building more homes for Canadians quickly while keeping life affordable.
Quotes
“The status quo on home building in this country just isn’t working. We need more apartments, affordable housing, homes within walking distance of public transit – and we need to do it faster. That’s what today’s announcement in Vaughan is all about. We’re going to keep working with local governments on their innovative approaches to building more homes, faster.”
The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
“With federal funding and federal leadership, we are changing how cities let housing get built in their communities. Today’s announcement will help create thousands of new homes for those who call Vaughan home. By working with cities, mayors, and all levels of government, we are helpingto get morehomes builtfor Canadiansat prices they canafford.”
The Hon. Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
“Vaughan has always been a destinationof choice thatpeople dreamof callinghomeand where future generationswish toraise their families, start businesses, and enjoy an unrivalled qualityof life. Workingwith myfellow Membersof Vaughan Council, we were pleasedto workwiththe federalgovernmentto ensure Vaughan securedthiscritical city-building investment. I am proudto stand alongside Prime Minister Trudeaufor this historicannouncementas partofthe Housing Accelerator Fundtobuildnewhousingunitsin Vaughanandtohelpbring thisdreamcloserto reachforcountlessfamiliesand residents.”
His Worship Steven Del Duca, Mayor of Vaughan
Quick Facts
Vaughan is oneof Canada’sfastest-growing cities. In the past20 years, it hasgrown froma suburban municipalityto an urban centerwith itspopulationincreasingby 78 percent. Vaughanis expectedtowelcome7 ,700 new residents eachyear overthe next30 years. The Housing Accelerator Fundis a $4 billioninitiativefromthe Governmentof Canadathatwill rununtil2026-27. It isdesignedto helpcities, towns, and Indigenousgovernmentsunlocknewhousingsupplythroughinnovativeapproaches. Last month, the Prime Ministerannouncedthe firstagreementofits kindbetween thefederalgovernmentandthe Cityof London, Ontario. Thisagreementwill provide$74 millionto fast trackthe creationofover 2 ,000 additionalhousing unitsin Londonoverthenextthree yearsalone, andthousandsmoreunitsinthe yearsto come. The Housing Accelerator Fundis partofthe Canada’s National Housing Strategy, a $82+ billionplanthathasalreadycommittedtothecreationandrepairofover400 ,000units. Progressonprogramsandinitiativesareupdatedquarterlyat www. placetocallhome. ca. The Housing Funding Initiatives Mapshowsaffordablehousingprojectsthat havebeendeveloped. Since2015, the governmenthashelped almosttwomillion Canadiansfindaplace tocarryhome.
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