About Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF)
Overview of HAF Program
In response to Canada’s pressing housing crisis, the Government launched the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) in spring 2023. This innovative $4-billion initiative is designed to assist local governments in implementing transformative strategies to bolster housing supply across the nation.
A significant milestone for this initiative came in January 2024, when the City of Saint John was awarded $9.1 million to implement its Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Action Plan. The City has ambitiously set a target to add 1,158 new residential units over a span of three years, driven by an overarching vision to rejuvenate its housing landscape.
To achieve this goal, the City has crafted a detailed HAF Housing Action Plan, which features eight strategic initiatives aimed at spurring housing development and overcoming existing challenges. These initiatives include:
- North End Secondary Plan – Phase One
- Housing Concierge Program
- Unlock Gentle Density
- Capitalize Affordable Housing
- Leverage Public and Underutilized Land
- Zoning By-law Reform
- E-Permitting One Stop Development Shop
- Governance Reform
A new Initiative 9 has also been introduced, focusing on providing incentives for large-scale developments, particularly in areas designated for increased density.
For more in-depth information on these initiatives, visit the Initiatives Tab.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF)?
The HAF represents a strategic federal effort by the Canadian government to expedite housing delivery in municipalities. By streamlining local land use planning and development approvals, the program seeks to mitigate the ongoing national housing crisis. Essentially, it is about fostering environments that will allow for enhanced housing supply within communities.
What is the intent of the Housing Accelerator Fund?
The primary goal is to leverage financial incentives from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) to encourage transformative changes in local government housing initiatives. By improving the housing approval processes, the HAF is committed to fostering sustainable, diverse, and inclusive communities that prioritize affordable and climate-resilient developments.
What is the City’s Housing Supply Growth Target?
For Saint John, a key aspect of receiving HAF funding hinges on achieving its designated Housing Supply Growth Target. Specifically, the city aims to produce 1,158 residential units between January 2024 and December 2026. This target is broken down further to include 839 multi-unit units, 164 missing middle units, and 101 affordable housing units, accounting for roughly 9% of the overall growth target.
What conditions must be met for HAF funding?
To secure HAF funding, the City of Saint John must fulfill several reporting requirements set by CMHC, ensuring progress towards meeting the Housing Supply Growth Target, and demonstrating commitment to its outlined funding plan.
What is the ‘missing middle’ in housing?
“Missing middle housing” encompasses ground-oriented housing types that vary between single-family detached homes and larger multi-family buildings. Examples include townhomes, garden suites, and duplexes, aimed at providing diverse and affordable housing options that facilitate community growth.
What are Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs)?
ADUs are secondary housing units located either within or on the same property as a primary dwelling. They can include backyard homes or secondary suites, contributing to increased housing density in a community.
Will this funding address housing affordability challenges?
The funding not only directly supports the development of affordable housing but also promotes overall housing supply, which can effectively enhance affordability in the housing market.
Major Milestone Timeline
The ambitious trajectory of Saint John’s Housing Accelerator Fund is marked by a series of critical milestones:
- October 3, 2022: City Council approved the Affordable Housing Action Plan.
- August 3, 2023: The City submitted its application for HAF.
- January 2, 2024: Official signing of the HAF agreement with CMHC and receipt of the first payment.
- February 15, 2024: Infrastructure modeling for North End’s stormwater management commenced.
- Expected milestones: Regular updates leading to community engagements, zoning reform initiatives, and council approvals through late 2024 and into 2025.
To track the ongoing progress toward the Housing Supply Growth Target, stakeholders can refer to status reports and committee documents providing insights on funding disbursement and project advancements.
Conclusion
The Housing Accelerator Fund is a proactive response to Canada’s pressing housing needs, designed to equip municipalities like Saint John with the resources necessary to revitalize their housing landscapes. Through targeted initiatives, comprehensive planning, and community engagement, the HAF aims to not only meet immediate housing demands but to lay down a sustainable framework for future growth and inclusivity in urban living. The rigorous focus on governance reform, zoning regulations, and environmental sustainability reflects a modern approach to addressing housing challenges, ensuring that communities are well-prepared for the future.
