ABBOTSFORD – The Government of Canada and the City of Abbotsford announced that they reached an agreement to fast track over 730 housing units over the next three years. This work will help spur the construction of more than 2,300 homes over the next decade.
The agreement, under the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) will provide over $25.6 million to eliminate barriers to building the housing we need, faster. Abbotsford’s Action Plan commits to seven local initiatives that enable a variety of housing forms and densities to meet the diverse needs of the community. The funding will develop a program to incentivize and legalize secondary suites, support innovative initiatives that will streamline development application processes, promote affordable housing on city-owned lands, and increase density near transit and amenities by changing land designations to allow multi-unit housing along major transit corridors. It will also amend zoning to permit as-of-right redevelopment of underused sites that will allow a minimum of four units per lot.
HAF is helping cut red tape and fast track at least 100,000 permitted new homes over the first three years, which cities and regions estimate will lead to the creation of over 550,000 permitted new homes for people in towns, cities, and Indigenous communities across Canada over the next decade. 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.
“Abbotsford is a rapidly growing city and housing is an issue that’s top of mind for many of our residents. As a City, we are committed to expanding and diversifying the housing opportunities available in Abbotsford by implementing innovative housing solutions. The Housing Accelerator Fund will help us in delivering more accessible housing options and we are grateful to the Government of Canada for this vital investment in our community,” said Ross Siemens, Mayor for the City of Abbotsford.
Source: City of Abbotsford
