HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO-017-23Staff Report
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Report To: Council
Date of Meeting: June 26, 2023 Report Number: CAO-017-23
Reviewed By: Trevor Pinn, Deputy CAO / Treasurer Resolution#:
File Number: By-law Number:
Report Subject: Housing Accelerator Fund Application
Recommendations:
1.That Report CAO-017-23, and any related delegations or communication items, be
received;
2.That Staff be directed to submit an application to the Housing Accelerator Fund with
a project that can lead to a net increase in the number of affordable housing units in
Clarington;
3.That Council approve in principle the Action Plan (Attachment #1) to form part of the
application;
4.That the CAO be authorized to approve any changes to the Action Plan, prior to
submission of the application;
5.That Council authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute any necessary agreements
regarding the application; and
6.That all interested parties listed in Report CAO-017-23, and any delegations be
advised of Council’s decision.
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Report CAO-017-23
Report Overview
The Government of Canada has created a $4 billion Housing Accelerator Fund (the HAF)
administered by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The primary
objective of the program is to create more housing supply, with an expected goal of 100,000
housing unit permits being issued (that would not have occurred without the HAF).
The HAF can be used for projects that support:
1. Investments in HAF Action Plans
2. Affordable housing projects
3. Housing-related infrastructure
4. Community-related infrastructure (that supports housing)
Staff are working to prepare an application for submission that would lead to an increase in
the number of affordable housing units in Clarington. As part of the application process, a
Council approved Action Plan must be included. Also, given the tight application window that
will open and close this summer, staff will need delegated authority to submit the application.
1. Background
Fund Details
1.1 The HAF intends to create transformational change in the housing sector across
Canada, with $ 4 billion allocated to accomplish that goal. The fund can be used to
support a variety of housing related projects.
1.2 The application window is expected to open during summer 2023 and close within 45 -
days, creating the need for early preparation and quick action. Staff have been working
to prepare eligible projects for consideration.
Region of Durham
1.3 Staff have met with the Region of Durham to determine if they have any projects that
could be considered eligible under the program, given their role in affordable housing.
They do not currently have any projects slated for development in Clarington but are
willing to work with us should there be an opportunity.
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Report CAO-017-23
2. Application
Eligibility
2.1 Local governments who have delegated authority over land use planning and
development approvals are eligible to apply to the HAF.
2.2 There are two application streams, of which Clarington is eligible under the
“Large/Urban communities”. This stream requires a population greater than 10,000.
2.3 One of the critical requirements is a housing action plan outlining supply and growth
targets as well as the specific actions to increase overall supply and speed up
approvals. Clarington is undertaking several initiatives in this regard and a Draft
Proposed Action Plan is attached (Attachment #1).
2.4 It is recommended that Council endorse in principle the Draft Proposed Action Plan, for
the purposes of submitting the application. The following initiatives are included within it:
Secondary Plans
Official Plan
Zoning By-law
Community Improvement Plans (CIP)
Engineering Design Standards
Streamlining Development Approvals Processes
Infrastructure Master Planning
Encouraging Additional Dwelling Units
Affordable Housing Toolkit
Prioritize Applications
Provincial and Federal Partnerships
Key Performance Indicators
Annual Monitoring Report
Evaluation Criteria
2.5 The evaluation criteria will be used to assess the application, but not dictate funding
amounts. The is a separate funding framework for those that are selected to participate
in the program. The criteria are broken into four categories, and pulled directly from the
pre-application reference material:
The commitment to increase housing supply (10 points) – increase to the supply of
housing above minimum requirements;
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Report CAO-017-23
The relevance of the initiative outcome(s) to one or more of the objectives of the
HAF (pass/fail) – including creating more supply; complete communities; affordable
housing; and, low-carbon, climate-resilient communities;
The effectiveness of the initiatives on increasing the supply of housing (20 points) –
including implementation/timeliness of the initiative; supply impact; and, system
impact; and
The need for increased housing supply (5 points) – based on available housing
needs assessment.
2.6 The Region of Durham has completed a Housing Needs Assessment as a component
of the Envision Durham Municipal Comprehensive Review. This can be used as part of
the application submission.
Potential Projects
2.7 It is understood that the application window will be tight and will likely open and close
during the summer, providing limited time for staff to prepare a list of applicable projects
for Council to consider. Staff are currently exploring the following:
Remediation and site work at the former Newcastle Fire Hall (427 King Street East,
Newcastle) to prepare the land for the development of affordable housing units.
Working with existing local affordable housing providers to determine if they have
plans and capacity to create net-new units.
2.8 The Region of Durham has been made aware of our potential projects and continues to
explore if there could be a role for them to play, particularly given their At Home in
Durham plan that committed to the initiation of the development of 1,000 new affordable
rental housing units by 2024.
Funding
2.9 Funding can be used to support initiatives such as:
Items within approved HAF Action Plan;
Affordable Housing (e.g., construction, repair, or modernization, land and building
acquisition);
Housing-related infrastructure that supports housing (e.g., brownfield
redevelopment, municipal infrastructure, connectivity);
Community-related infrastructure that supports housing, such as: bicycle lanes,
sidewalks, local roads and bridges.
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Report CAO-017-23
2.10 More information about the program, eligibility, and funding parameters is included in
the Housing Accelerator Fund: Pre-Application Reference Material (Attachment #2).
3. Financial Considerations
3.1 Not applicable currently. Financial implications will be known should the application
reach the next stage of the program. Staff will report back to Council before any funding
agreements are entered into.
4. Concurrence
This report has been reviewed by the Director of Planning and Infrastructure who
concurs with the recommendations.
5. Conclusion
It is respectfully recommended that Council direct Staff to submit an application to the
Housing Accelerator Fund and approve the Draft Proposed Action Plan.
Staff Contact: Justin MacLean, Manager, Strategic Initiatives, 905-623-3379 Ext. 2017 or
Jmaclean@clarington.net
Attachments:
Attachment 1 – Draft Housing Action Plan
Attachment 2 – Housing Accelerator Fund: Pre-Application Reference Material
Type Initiatives Actions CommentsFacilitating Growth Secondary Plans - Complete studies- Public Consultation- Draft and Approve OPAs and implementing ZBAsCompleting the Secondary Plans currently in progress by 2026 will facilitate housing units within Clarington’s existing urban areas that will contribute towards the achievement of the short-term target to 2031. Official Plan - Initiate Public Engagement - Undertake background work- Prepare studies- Draft OPA- Public Consultation- Approve OPAStaff is initiating a comprehensive Official Plan Review for Envision Durham conformity. The Clarington Official Plan Review will address longer-term growth and development to 2051 and is expected to be completed by end of 2025.Zoning By-law - Undertake background work- Draft ZBA- Public Consultation- Approve ZBADevelop a comprehensive zoning by-law to implement newly approved and updated Official Plan and Secondary Plans to provide for zoning that aligns with approved built forms and densities, and complete new urban area zoning by-law to provide permissions outside of secondary plan areas that support new housing units and reduce the need for site-specific zoning amendments, which can be costly and resource consuming. Zoning for the Bowmanville and Courtice MTSAs will be prioritized to be completed within a year of the Province’s approval of Durham’s MTSAs, as required.Community Improvement Plans (CIP) - Undertake background work- Research best practices- implement an affordable housing CIP programClarington’s existing CIPs are due to be updated in 2023/2024. Opportunities to support the development of affordable housing units through CIP programming will be explored as part of the review and update.Engineering Design Standards - Updated Engineering Design Standards Continued initiative to update Clarington’s Engineering Design Standards to align with current best practices and improve processing timelines during the detailed engineering review stage of residential subdivision applications.
Type Initiatives Actions CommentsStreamlining Development Approvals Processes- Online portal for Planning, Engineering, and Building applications where applicants can apply and check status of development applications- Create a GeoBase public domain for the general public to look up and track development applications in a certain area.- Review and modify application processes to streamline development applications- Standard Terms of ReferenceA comprehensive set of initiatives is underway by the Municipality to modernize, streamline, improve accessibility to, and accelerate processes for managing and approving housing applications, including maximizing capabilities of new software and technology, implementing an application prioritization process, hiring of necessary staff resources and consultant expertise, modification of pre-consultation processes, and delegation of additional authorities to staff. Staff will create or update terms of reference for studies required in support of development applications to provide a clear expectation of requirements and minimize processing time and number of submissions.Supportive Servicing and InfrastructureInfrastructure Master Planning - Identify priority projects and areas- Create a comprehensive Infrastructure Master PlanClarington is committed to doing its part to work with Durham Region to align land use planning and infrastructure planning to maximize the efficiency of servicing secondary plan areas to support the construction of new homes. Staff will explore an Infrastructure Master Plan where it would be beneficial to align local municipal transportation and servicing infrastructure capital projects with secondary planning to support development.Enhancing Support for Housing Encouraging Additional Dwelling Units - Review of Official Plan policies to allow three units per lot- Approve OPA- ZBA to implement 3rd residential unit- ZBA to be reviewed an updated after 2 years of implementation of the ADU by-law from 2021- Develop marketing strategy to encourage ADUsBuild on recent official plan and zoning amendments that permit 2nd and 3rd residential units to incorporate additional Bill 23 direction. Encourage developers to provide additional units in the design of dwellings at the time of purchase and sale to increase ADUs and affordable housing options. A citizen-friendly guide to ADUs and promotion on the Municipality's social media site may be explored.Affordable Housing Toolkit - Complete surplus land inventory- Continue to engage with partners on developing the lands for affordable housingContinue to implement initiatives endorsed as part of Clarington’s Affordable Housing Toolkit, including the use of surplus municipal lands for non-profit housing. An inventory of available lands will be generated and the requirements of new developments to provide affordable housing, either through monetary contributions or land.
Type Initiatives Actions CommentsPrioritize Applications - Create a streamline process for priority projects Clarington will consider criteria that prioritize applications that achieve the Municipality’s affordability and sustainability objectives and which are an overall benefit to the community. The proposed criteria to prioritize applications is: - non-profit housing and long term care facilities,- applications that provide for a minimum ten percent affordable units, - applications that incorporate significant sustainable and walkable design features, o projects that exceed the minimum parkland and open space requirements to the benefit of the residents and the broader community, and - applications on the former Greenbelt lands at Nash and Hancock Roads, in accordance with provincial direction and timelines.Collaboration and Partnerships Provincial and Federal Partnerships - Review of Official Plan policies and ZBL provisions for increased height and density within the Courtice and Bowmanville MTSA- Initiate and approve implementing OPA and ZBAClarington is committed to collaborating with the Province (including Metrolinx) and Federal partners to support and implement projects and funding initiatives that support affordable and quality housing, including the timely development of the Bowmanville and Courtice GO Train Stations.Monitoring and Reporting Key Performance Indicators - Develop a Key Performance Indicator/ Monitoring Report which identifies gaps to help streamline development applicationsKey performance indicators will be developed to inform annual monitoring reports to Council on the delivery of the target, including (i) number of registered or draft approved units in the pipeline (ii) length of time units have been approved without proceeding to the next stage of development (iii) which lands are not proceeding once approved (iv) number of additional dwelling units (v) number of refunded application fees, and (vi) OLT appeals based on non-decisions.Annual Monitoring Report - Establish a Residential Monitoring report on progress to achieving housing targets.Staff will provide a yearly monitoring report to update Council on the status of initiatives, progress towards Clarington’s 13,000 housing unit target, infrastructure availability, influencing market conditions, opportunities and challenges, staff resources and any amendments to the pledge that may be required.
Housing Accelerator Fund Pre-application Reference Material
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Purpose of this guide ....................................................3
2. Program budget ........................................................3
3. Objectives ..............................................................3
4. Eligible applicants ......................................................3
5. Application streams .....................................................3
6. Minimum requirements .................................................4
7. Action plans ............................................................4
Housing supply growth target . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Additional targets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Action plan initiatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
8. Incentive funding and permitted uses ....................................6
9. Evaluation criteria .......................................................7
10. Funding methodology ..................................................9
11. Minimum documentation requirements .................................11
12. Reporting requirements ................................................11
13. Advancing and reporting schedules .....................................12
14. Contribution agreement ...............................................15
15. Application process ....................................................15
16. Important dates .......................................................15
Appendix A: Application details ...........................................16
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1. PURPOSE OF THIS GUIDE
This reference document will help applicants to get
ready to apply to the Housing Accelerator Fund (the HAF)
administered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing
Corporation (CMHC) . It informs applicants about program
requirements and information that they will need to
submit as part of their application . Potential applicants
are local authorities as described in section four (4) .
Through the provision of incentive funding, the HAF is
intended to drive transformational change within the
sphere of control of the local government regarding
land use planning and development approvals with
the overall objective to “accelerate supply” of housing .
As part of the application process, applicants must
outline the actions that they will take to increase housing
supply and reflect these initiatives in an action plan .
Given the time that it may take to prepare the application,
including the mandatory action plan and to obtain
the necessary local approvals, CMHC is providing this
document well in advance of the application intake
portal opening .
For greater certainty, the formal application form for the
HAF will be made available later in 2023 in support of the
launch of the initiative when CMHC is ready to accept
applications . It is possible that certain information will
be requested within the application form that is not
referenced in or that differs from this document .
2. PROGRAM BUDGET
With the launch of the HAF, $4 billion in funds may be
available to local authorities (see definition in section
four (4)) to incentivize the implementation of local actions
that remove barriers to housing supply, accelerate the
growth of supply, and support the development of
communities that are aligned with several priorities
as described in section three (3) .
3. OBJECTIVES
The primary objectives of the program are to create more
supply of housing at an accelerated pace and enhance
certainty in the approvals and building process, while also
supporting the following priorities:
–Supporting the development of complete communities
that are walkable, consisting of appropriate residential
density and a diverse mix of land uses, providing access
to a wide variety of amenities and services through public
and active transportation .
–Supporting the development of affordable, inclusive,
equitable and diverse communities that encourage clear
pathways to achieving greater socio-economic inclusion
largely achieved through the equitable provision of
housing across the entire housing spectrum .
–Supporting the development of low-carbon and
climate-resilient communities .
As a result of investments towards these objectives and
priorities, the HAF is expected to result in permits being
issued for 100,000 more housing units than would have
occurred without the HAF .
4. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
Local governments within Canada, including First Nations,
Métis and Inuit governments who have delegated authority
over land use planning and development approvals are
eligible to apply to the HAF .
In the absence of a municipal-level authority, a regional
district or province or territory that has authority for land
use planning and development approvals may also apply
to the HAF .
5. APPLICATION STREAMS
There are two application streams, as follows:
–Large/Urban: A jurisdiction located anywhere in
Canada with a population* equal to or greater
than 10,000, excluding those within a territory or
an Indigenous community .
–Small/Rural/North/Indigenous: A jurisdiction
located anywhere in Canada with a population*
less than 10,000 or within one of the territories
or an Indigenous community .
*Population based on 2021 census data .
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6. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible for incentive funding, the applicant must:
–Develop an action plan as part of their HAF application,
including satisfying the prescribed minimum number of
initiatives as outlined in section seven (7) . The purpose of
the action plan is to outline a housing supply growth target
and the specific initiatives that the applicant will undertake
to grow housing supply and speed up housing approvals .
–Commit to a housing supply growth target within their
action plan that increases their average annual rate
of growth by at least 10% . The growth rate must also
exceed 1 .1%* . Formulas for these calculations are available
in Appendix A of this guide – refer to row 9 and row 8 .
–Complete or update a housing needs assessment report**
and include a reoccurring scheduled review date within the
report to ensure that the needs assessment is kept current .
•The requirement to complete or update a housing
needs assessment report may be waived if the
applicant recently completed or updated their housing
needs assessment . Applicants that have completed
or updated their housing needs assessment within
two years of the 2022 federal budget announcement
(April 7, 2022) can request that this requirement be
waived . If there is no reoccurring scheduled review
date on this existing housing needs assessment
report, there remains a requirement to add a
reoccurring scheduled review date .
–Submit periodic reports to CMHC in the form and
timelines prescribed . See section 12 for additional
details . This includes:
•Progress reporting on the initiatives and commitments
within the action plan .
•Micro-level permit data for residential buildings for
all permitted units .
•Details that support that HAF funding was used for
a permitted purpose .
*CMHC may consider growth targets that fall outside these program
guidelines on a case-by-case basis considering actual applications
received . Applicants are encouraged to put forward the strongest
application possible . Refer to section nine (9) for details on the
evaluation criteria .
**For those that need to complete or update their housing
needs assessment, resources are available on CMHC’s website .
The report is not required to be completed at the time of application
submission, but it must be completed within the prescribed
timeframe (i .e ., the third reporting period) . See section 13 for
details on the reporting schedule .
7. ACTION PLANS
Applicants must provide an action plan as part of their
application, which will assist CMHC in selecting applicants .
If selected by CMHC, the action plan will form part of the
contribution agreement . Refer to Appendix A for details on
the type of information required as part of the application,
including the action plan .
Each applicant must assess its own housing needs, challenges,
and opportunities in considering whether to apply under
the HAF . Applicants are encouraged to consider regional
matters in developing their action plans . Applicants may wish
to consult the information available on the Statistics Canada
website as part of its assessment . Table 98-10-0002-02
provides information on population and dwelling counts
for provinces, territories, and census subdivisions .
Housing supply growth target
Within the action plan submitted as part of the application
for HAF, the applicant will be required to provide two
projections to CMHC as outlined below . The applicant
must calculate their own projections based on reasonable
assumptions and data sources, including Statistics Canada
and/or its own administrative data . There is no prescribed
formula; however, projections should be based on a
three-year period ending September 1, 2026 .
–The total number of permitted housing units projected
without HAF .
–The total number of permitted housing units projected
with HAF . This second projection is what is referred to
as the “housing supply growth target .”
For the purpose of determining if the committed growth
rate satisfies the minimum 10% increase and exceeds 1 .1%,
the following formulas will be used by CMHC:
–The annual projected growth rate without HAF: the total
number of permitted housing units projected without
HAF/3 years/current total number of dwellings *100% .
–The annual projected growth rate with HAF: the total
number of permitted housing units projected with HAF/3
years/current total number of dwellings *100% .
The current total number of dwellings should be consistent
with the applicant’s 2021 census data adjusted for additional
dwellings built since that reporting period .
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Additional targets
Applicants will also be able to set targets based on the type
of housing supply that is projected to be permitted with
the support afforded by the HAF program . These additional
targets will increase the amount of funding available to
the proponent if selected to participate in the program .
The targets can be set for housing types that align with the
priorities of the HAF program, which include:
–Multi-unit housing (in close proximity to rapid transit)
–Multi-unit housing (missing middle)
–Multi-unit housing (other)
–Affordable housing units .
Refer to section 10 for an overview of the funding
methodology and definitions for each type of housing .
Action plan initiatives
The action plan must include initiatives that will help the
applicant achieve their committed housing supply growth
target and any additional targets . The action plan items
must support enhancements achievable within the program’s
timeframe, but the intent is for changes to outlive the HAF .
The minimum number of initiatives depends on the
application stream, as follows:
–Large/Urban: A minimum of seven initiatives .
–Small/Rural/North/Indigenous: A minimum of
five initiatives .
All initiatives included within the action plan should be
new initiatives that have not yet started . In exceptional
circumstances, CMHC may be willing to consider initiatives
that started after the 2022 federal budget (April 7, 2022),
which announced the Housing Accelerator Fund, in cases
where an applicant may be challenged to meet the
prescribed minimum number of initiatives .
The applicant must indicate how each initiative will increase
the supply of housing and associated timelines, as well as
any other expected results .
The applicant must identify and explain how each proposed
initiative supports at least one of the objectives of the
program (see section three (3)) .
The following list of initiatives are aligned with the objectives
of the HAF program and reflect common practices in urban
planning, contributing to more housing supply . Applicants
are encouraged to select from this list where it makes sense
to do so given the local context . There is flexibility for CMHC
to consider alternative initiatives proposed by applicants .
Actions that do not support the objectives of the program
will not be considered .
–Promoting high-density development without the need for
rezoning (as-of-right zoning), e .g ., for housing
developments up to 10 stories that are in proximity
(within 1 .5km) of rapid transit stations and reducing car
dependency
–Allowing increased housing density (increased number
of units and number of storeys) on a single lot including
promoting “missing middle” housing forms typically
buildings less than 4 stories
–Encouraging Accessory Dwelling Units—a second smaller
unit on the same property as a primary unit
–Enable mixed-use redevelopment of city-owned
properties, while where appropriate maintaining the
current government use, e .g ., building housing on top
of a library or office space
–Promoting infill developments (adding new units to
existing communities) with increased housing density and
a variety of unit types (e .g ., duplexes or secondary suites)
–Implementing rental only zoning
–Implementing land use changes mandating a minimum
number of family units (units with more than two
bedrooms) or allowing for office conversions to residential
with minimum family unit requirements
–Implementing revised parking requirements such
as reduced or eliminated parking spaces for new
developments
–Implementing disincentives, costing or fee structures to
discourage such things as unit vacancy, underdeveloped/
idle land, and low-density forms of housing
–Ensuring that development and amenity charges –
fees that cover necessary infrastructure to support new
housing and amenities such as libraries and recreation
centres in and adjacent to the communities where
development is occurring – are clear, transparent
and pre-determined (not subject to negotiation)
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–Aligning development charges with the costs of
infrastructure and servicing
–Implementing incentives, costing or fee structures, for
example density bonusing, to encourage such things as
affordable housing and conversions from non-residential
to residential
–Waiving public hearings on all affordable housing
projects that conform to the official community plan
–Implementing measures to address or prevent flood
plain or climate change risk for example making flood
plains park land and/or creating relocation programs
to move housing units out of at-risk areas
–Incorporating a climate adaptability plan into Official
Community Plan
–Promoting and allowing more housing types that serve
vulnerable populations
–Promoting regulated multi-tenanted housing forms
(e .g ., boarding houses or single room occupancy)
–Implementing inclusionary zoning (the requirement
that a developer builds a certain percentage of their
units at affordable (below market) prices or rents) in
ways that foster development
–Encouraging alternative forms of housing construction
such as modular housing, manufactured housing, and
prefabricated housing
–Create a process for the disposal of city-owned land
assets for the development of affordable housing
as-of-right (not requiring rezoning)
–Implementing new/enhanced processes or systems
such as case management, e-permitting, land and
building modelling
–Implementing changes to decision making such as
delegating development approval authority to municipal
staff based on established thresholds or parameters
–Partnering with non-profit housing providers to preserve
and increase the stock of affordable housing
–Updating infrastructure planning to align with official
community plans, growth targets, and housing needs
assessment
–Reducing and streamlining urban design and character
guidelines, i .e ., elimination of height restrictions, visual
character requirements, view cones, setbacks, etc .
It is the responsibility of the applicant to determine and
confirm that it has the requisite authority, expertise, capacity,
and resources to implement any and all chosen initiatives .
The contribution agreement shall include a representation
and warranty by the applicant confirming the above and
CMHC will be relying on the representation and warranty
without any independent investigation . All action plans
must be approved by elected Council (or equivalent,
including delegated authority) and include an attestation
of the applicant’s Chief Financial Officer (or equivalent)
on the viability of the plan using the prescribed form .
The attestation must be obtained by the applicant before
applying to the HAF . The approval may be obtained by the
applicant before applying to the HAF and is required before
the contribution agreement is signed .
Note: CMHC may provide successful applicants with an
opportunity to propose additional initiatives and increase
their housing supply growth target in the event there is
unused funding in the later years of the program .
8. INCENTIVE FUNDING AND PERMITTED USES
The HAF is about driving transformational change and
creating the conditions for more housing supply over
the short and longer term . The HAF is intended to incent
applicants to commit to change, show progress and be
provided with funding in return .
For clarity, HAF is not directly underwriting specific housing
projects or reimbursing proponents for specific costs
incurred . Rather, HAF funding can be used in support of
housing under any of the following four categories . For
further details on how HAF funding would be advanced
refer to section 13 .
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Permitted uses of HAF funding:
–Investments in Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plans
•any initiative included in the proponent’s action plan
and approved by CMHC .
–Investments in Affordable Housing
•construction of affordable housing
•repair or modernization of affordable housing
•land or building acquisition for affordable housing .
–Investments in Housing-related Infrastructure
•drinking water infrastructure that supports housing
•wastewater infrastructure that supports housing
•solid waste management that supports housing
•public transit that supports housing
•community energy systems that support housing
•disaster mitigation that supports housing
•brownfield redevelopment that supports housing
•broadband and connectivity that supports housing
•capacity building that supports housing
•site preparation for housing developments .
–Investments in Community-related Infrastructure that
supports housing
•local roads and bridges
•sidewalks, lighting, bicycle lanes
•firehalls
•landscaping and green space .
Proponents will be asked to estimate how much of their
funding will be allocated to each category as part of their
application (% of total estimated funding) . If approved to
participate in the program, proponents must report on how
HAF funding was used in the form and timelines prescribed .
Additional information on reporting requirements can be
found in section 12 .
Subject to the permitted uses outlined above, HAF funding
can be used in conjunction with other CMHC or federal
government programs, unless expressly prohibited under
the terms of such initiatives . Please note that funding from
the HAF will not be considered as local or PT (Provinces &
Territories) cost-matching under the existing CMHC-PT NHS
bilateral agreements, which exclude contributions from
Government of Canada sources or from CMHC .
9. EVALUATION CRITERIA
CMHC will review all applications to determine if they meet
program requirements of the HAF . The evaluation of the
application will be based on the criteria listed in Table 1 .
All applications will be assessed and scored .
All initiatives outlined in the action plan will be individually
assessed and scored; however, for prioritization purposes
only the top five initiatives under the Small/Rural/North/
Indigenous stream or top seven initiatives under the Large/
Urban stream will be considered . While only the top five
or seven initiatives will be used for prioritization purposes,
additional initiatives should still be put forward within the
action plan as required to support the committed housing
supply growth target and alignment with HAF priorities .
The evaluation criteria are used to assess the application and
to determine which applicants are selected to participate
in the HAF . It will not dictate funding amounts . There is a
separate funding framework for those that are selected
to participate in the program . Refer to section 10 for the
funding methodology .
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Table 1: Evaluation criteria
Criteria Assessment and Prioritization
The commitment to increase housing supply
Total available points: 10
Strong proposals will demonstrate a commitment to increase the supply of housing above the
minimum requirements of the program .
•Annual growth rate:
–over 2 .5% - 5 points
–1 .5% to 2 .5% - 3 points
–1 .1% to 1 .4% - 1 point .
•Annual growth rate percentage change:
–over 20% - 5 points
–15% to 20% - 3 points
–10% to 14% - 1 point .
The relevance of the initiative outcome(s) to one or more of the objectives of the HAF
Total available points: NA (pass/fail)
Proposed initiatives within the action plan will be assessed to confirm if they support one
or more of the following objectives, including priority areas:
•Creating more supply of housing at an accelerated pace and/or enhancing certainty in
the approvals and building process .
•Supporting the development of complete communities that are walkable consisting
of appropriate residential density and a diverse mix of land uses providing access to
a wide variety of amenities and services through public and active transportation .
•Supporting the development of affordable, inclusive, equitable and diverse communities
that encourage clear pathways to achieving greater socio-economic inclusion largely
achieved through the equitable provision of housing across the entire housing spectrum .
•Supporting the development of low-carbon and climate-resilient communities .
The effectiveness of the initiative on increasing the supply of housing
Total available points: 20
Proposed initiatives within the action plan will be assessed based on:
•Implementation: The time it will
take to complete the initiative .
–within 1 year - 5 points
–within 2 years - 3 points
–over 2 years - 1 point .
•Timeliness: The time it will take
to start to achieve additional
permitted units as a result of
the initiative .
–within 1 year - 5 points
–within 2 years - 3 points
–over 2 years - 1 point .
•Supply Impact: The extent to which the initiative will
improve housing and community outcomes .
–high degree of improvement - 5 points
–medium degree of improvement - 3 points
–low degree of improvement - 1 point .
•System Impact: The extent to which the initiative
increases stability and predictability in the housing
system .
–high degree of stability and predictability - 5 points
–medium degree of stability and predictability - 3 points
–low degree of stability and predictability - 1 point .
The need for increased housing supply
Total available points: 5
While not a mandatory requirement at the time of application submission, strong proposals will
demonstrate housing needs as evidenced by a current housing needs assessment report .
•Yes, a current report is available - 5 points
•No, a current report is not available - 0 points .
There is only one planned intake window . CMHC will consider take-up across jurisdictions and may adjust application rankings
to support a national distribution . CMHC will make formal recommendations to the Minister of Housing and Diversity and
Inclusion . Once approvals and final funding decisions are made, CMHC will advise applicants of the outcome .
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10. FUNDING METHODOLOGY
For those applicants that are selected for participation
in the HAF program (see section nine (9)), a funding
framework will be used to determine the amount of
funding per successful applicant .
There are three components of the funding framework:
(1) base funding, (2) top-up funding and (3) an affordable
housing bonus . For the base funding, the per unit amount
will be higher for applications pertaining to the territories
or Indigenous communities .
While the funding envelope is determined on the basis of
per unit amounts, the HAF incentive funding is designed to
support the costs associated with the initiatives within the
action plan, as well as any other permitted use of funds in
order to accelerate the supply of housing in Canada (see
section eight (8) for permitted uses of funds) . The proponent
will have flexibility in how HAF funding is used provided it is
for a permitted use .
Components of the funding framework:
1. Base funding is designed to incent all types of supply
across the housing spectrum . Base funding is estimated
at $20K* per HAF incented unit ($40K* per HAF incented
unit for applications pertaining to the territories or an
Indigenous community) . The per unit amount will be
multiplied by the number of HAF incented units . HAF
incented units refers to the difference between two
projections: (1) the number of permitted units that are
anticipated without the support afforded by the HAF
program and (2) the number of permitted units that
are anticipated with the support afforded by the HAF
program . The latter would establish the housing supply
growth target, which would be included in the action
plan and reflected in the contribution agreement .
2. Top up funding is designed to incent certain types of
housing supply . Top up funding will depend on the type
of housing and the associated projected increase in the
number of permitted units . There is no top up funding
available for single detached homes . The value ascribed
to each category will be multiplied by the associated
projected increase in the number of permitted units .
The targets established for each unit type would be
included in the action plan and reflected in the
contribution agreement .
3. Affordable housing bonus is designed to reward an
applicant that can increase its share of affordable housing
units relative to the total projected permitted units with
the support afforded by the HAF . The percentage growth
will be multiplied by the ascribed value and then by the
total projected permitted units with the support afforded
by the HAF . The target would be included in the action
plan and reflected in the contribution agreement .
*All per unit amounts for the base funding, top up funding and
affordable housing bonus are estimated amounts that may assist
potential applicants for budgeting purposes . CMHC may adjust
these amounts and this flexibility is to help ensure that CMHC can
support higher than anticipated housing supply growth targets
and outcomes across Canada within the overall program funding .
The following tables provide an illustrative example of the funding framework .
Table 2: Base Funding
Total projected permitted units without HAF
Total projected permitted units with HAF
HAF incented units Per unit amount
Base funding amount
Base funding 5,500 6,000 500 $20,000*$10,000,000
A total of 500 HAF incented units * $20K per unit = $10M .
*All per unit amounts for the base funding, top up funding and affordable housing bonus are estimated amounts that may assist potential
applicants for budgeting purposes .CMHC may adjust these amounts and this flexibility is to help ensure that CMHC can support higher than
anticipated housing supply growth targets and outcomes across Canada within the overall program funding .
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Table 3: Top-up Funding
Total projected permitted units without HAF by type of housing
Total projected permitted units with HAF by type of housing
Increase in housing type (#)Per unit amount
Top-up funding amount
Single detached homes 2,000 2,100 100 $0 $0
Multi-unit housing (in close proximity to rapid transit)
400 450 50 $15,000*$750,000
Multi-unit housing (missing middle)1,000 1,250 250 $12,000*$3,000,000
Multi-unit housing (other)2,100 2,200 100 $7,000*$700,000
Total units 5,500 6,000 500
Top up funding $4,450,000
For example, an increase of 250 missing middle housing units * $12K per unit = $3M .
*All per unit amounts for the base funding, top up funding and affordable housing bonus are estimated amounts that may assist potential
applicants for budgeting purposes .CMHC may adjust these amounts and this flexibility is to help ensure that CMHC can support higher than
anticipated housing supply growth targets and outcomes across Canada within the overall program funding .
Table 4: Affordable Housing Bonus
Total projected affordable units permitted without HAF (%)
Total projected affordable units permitted with HAF (%)
Increase in the share of affordable housing units (%)Per unit amount
Affordable housing bonus amount
Affordable housing bonus 2 .00%3 .50%1 .50%$19,000*$1,710,000
An increase in the share of affordable housing units of 1 .50% * 6,000 total projected permitted units with HAF * $19K per unit = $1 .71M .
*All per unit amounts for the base funding, top up funding and affordable housing bonus are estimated amounts that may assist potential
applicants for budgeting purposes .CMHC may adjust these amounts and this flexibility is to help ensure that CMHC can support higher than
anticipated housing supply growth targets and outcomes across Canada within the overall program funding .
Total Incentive Funding: $16,160,000
Base funding ($10M) + top up funding ($4 .45M) + affordable housing bonus ($1 .71M) = $16 .16M
The average amount for each HAF incented unit is: $32,320
Total incentive funding of $16 .16M / the number of HAF incented units of 500 = $32,320
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Definitions
–Single-detached homes refers to a building containing
1 dwelling unit, which is completely separated on all sides
from any other dwelling or structure . This includes link
homes, where 2 units may share a common basement
wall but are separated above grade . It also includes
cluster-single developments .
–Multi-unit housing in close proximity to rapid transit
refers to any form of multi-unit housing in close proximity
(1500m) to rapid transit, which operates frequent service
with high capacity and priority over other modes of
transportation typically achieved through an exclusive
right-of-way .
–Multi-unit housing characterized as missing middle refers
to ground-oriented housing types . This includes garden
suites, secondary suites, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes,
row houses, courtyard housing, low-rise apartments
(4 storeys or less) .
–Other multi-unit housing refers to all multi-unit housing
excluding missing middle and multi-unit housing in
close proximity to rapid transit .
–Affordable housing refers to housing units that are
intended for households whose needs are not met
by the marketplace . The local definition will be used
for the purposes of HAF or in the absence thereof
the provincial/territorial definition .
11. MINIMUM DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
To support their application, applicants will be asked to
submit the following minimum documentation:
–Completed application form, including action plan
–Signed integrity declaration
–Most recent audited financial statements
(if not available publicly)
–Current housing needs assessment report
(if available at time of application)
–Attestation letter signed by the applicant’s Chief Financial
Officer (or equivalent) using the prescribed form on
viability of the action plan .
The action plan template will provide applicants with an
opportunity to outline stated goals, objectives, and expected
results . The applicant should be able to provide analysis or
statistics to support the initiatives put forward in the action
plan . This supporting information could be referenced
directly in the application or be submitted as supporting
documentation, for example, the applicant may wish to
refer to a recent housing needs assessment, or other report
outlining needs or opportunities for increased housing
supply growth .
12. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
There are three main reporting obligations under the
HAF . The proponent will be required to adhere to specific
reporting requirements, which include:
–Progress on the initiatives and commitments outlined
in the action plan .
•Actual start and completion date of each initiative
•Percentage complete for each initiative
•Overall status for each approved initiative
(i .e ., Completed, On Track, Delayed, Not Started)
•Start and completion date of the milestone(s) for
each initiative
•Overall status for the milestone(s) for each initiative
(i .e ., Completed, On Track, Delayed, Not Started)
•Rationale for the status of each initiative and/or
milestone . Where there are delays and/or milestones
have not been met, the applicant must provide a
detailed rationale, including a proposed plan to get
the initiative back on track
•Number of net new units permitted for residential
buildings during the reporting period* .
*Permitted unit refers to units for which building permits for
new housing construction were issued during the reporting
period for residential buildings . The reference to “net” is to
consider any demolitions or conversions that may have also
taken place during that period . i .e ., any units that are lost
to the housing stock by way of demolitions or conversions
from residential to non-residential will be subtracted from
the number of permitted residential units to arrive at the
net total .
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–Permit data for all housing units permitted during the
reporting period . CMHC plans to leverage the data points
consistent with Statistics Canada Building Permits Survey
for consistency purposes .
•Permit number
•Submission date of permit request
•Issue date of permit
•Construction/demolition location (site address)
•Type of building code
•Type of work code
•Dwelling units created (if applicable)
•Dwelling units lost (if applicable)
•Units demolished (if applicable)
•Secondary suite
•Number of stories .
–Details on how HAF funding was used during the
reporting period .
•Category and sub-category of incentive funding
(see section eight (8) of this document)
•Annual dollar amount per category and sub-category
•Cumulative dollar amount per category and
sub-category .
•Details on capital projects facilitated with HAF funding .
There may be additional data points required as part of
the reporting requirements listed above . Explanations for
the data points will be made available for each reporting
requirement in support of the HAF application intake
opening later in 2023 .
Proponents will be required to make progress reports and
how funds were used public through normal governance
mechanisms or other means deemed appropriate by
the proponent .
13. ADVANCING AND REPORTING SCHEDULES
There will be a total of four advances to successful applicants
(referred to herein as proponents), with one advance
planned for each year of the program . Each advance will
be subject to conditions including those noted below .
The reporting obligations for proponents will be outlined in
the contribution agreement . Reporting will be required at
the following intervals: (i) a report on a prescribed form due
no later than 6 months following the date the agreement
is signed; and (ii) for each subsequent advance, reports on
a prescribed form due within 60 days of the anniversary of
the agreement . A final report on the use of the HAF funds
will be due within 90 days of the fourth anniversary of the
agreement .
The reports provided below must be accompanied by an
attestation of the applicant’s Chief Financial Officer or
equivalent (on a prescribed form), which confirms that
the proponent remains in compliance with the terms and
conditions of the contribution agreement and that the
proponent’s representations and warranties remain true .
Requests for annual payments are dependent on meeting
applicable reporting obligations .
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Advance Conditions
Year 1 First advance: 25% of total approved funding*
An upfront advance will be provided to the proponent . The upfront advance is intended to
enable the proponent to start the initiatives outlined in their action plan and to pursue other
investments in housing provided the funds are used for a permitted use(s) .
First reporting period (first 6 months of agreement): No later than 6 months following
the agreement date the proponent must submit to CMHC a letter (in a prescribed form)
attesting that it is on track to undertake items outlined in its action plan and otherwise fulfil
its reporting obligations under HAF . No supporting details are required to be submitted
unless expressly requested by CMHC at that time .
Year 2 Second advance: 25% of total approved funding
Second reporting period (first year of agreement): Within 60 days of the first anniversary
of the agreement the proponent must submit to CMHC the following:
•A progress report on the action plan initiatives and commitments . This report will be on
a prescribed form .
•A report that includes micro-level permit data for residential buildings for all permitted
units issued during the annual reporting period . This report will be on a prescribed form .
•A report that outlines how HAF funds were spent by the proponent during the annual
reporting period . This report will be on a prescribed form .
•A letter attesting that the proponent is on track to completing the items outlined in their
action plan and has fulfilled its annual reporting obligations . This letter will be on a
prescribed form .
Year 3 Third advance: 25% of total approved funding
Third reporting period (second year of agreement): Within 60 days of the second
anniversary of the agreement the proponent must submit to CMHC the following:
•A progress report on the action plan initiatives and commitments . This report will be on a
prescribed form . All initiatives are required to be completed in support of the request for
the third annual advance, including the housing needs assessment, as applicable .
•A report that includes micro-level permit data for residential buildings for all permitted
units issued during the annual reporting period . This report will be on a prescribed form .
•A report that outlines how HAF funds were spent by the proponent during the annual
reporting period . This report will be on a prescribed form .
•A letter attesting that the proponent has completed the initiatives outlined in their action
plan, is on track to achieving growth targets and has fulfilled its annual reporting
obligations . This letter will be on a prescribed form .
*CMHC may on a case-by-case basis consider a higher first advance .(Continued)
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Advance Conditions
Year 4 Fourth advance: 25% of total approved funding
Fourth reporting period (third year of agreement): Within 60 days of the third anniversary
of the agreement the proponent must submit to CMHC the following:
•A report confirming achievement of the housing supply growth target and any other
targets established in the action plan . This report will be on a prescribed form .
•A report that includes micro-level permit data for residential buildings for all permitted
units issued during the annual reporting period . This report will be on a prescribed form .
•A report that outlines how HAF funds were spent by the proponent during the annual
reporting period . This report will be on a prescribed form .
•A letter attesting that the proponent has achieved the housing supply growth target and
any other targets outlined in the action plan and has fulfilled its annual reporting
obligations . This letter will be on a prescribed form .
NA Fifth reporting period (fourth year of agreement): Within 90 days of the fourth anniversary
of the agreement the proponent must submit to CMHC the following:
•A report that outlines how HAF funds were spent by the proponent during the annual
reporting period . It is expected that all funds be spent before this final report is submitted
and fully accounted for in the report . This report will be on a prescribed form .
CMHC will consider all relevant circumstances when determining whether to approve a request for advance during the
prescribed timelines . CMHC will work with the proponent to address situations where achievement is delayed or not progressing
as planned . If satisfactory arrangements to rectify the situation are not implemented, then CMHC may reduce or withhold
payment of advances . CMHC will communicate funding decisions in writing .
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14. CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
To participate in the program, approved applicants will
be required to enter into a contribution agreement with
CMHC in which it agrees to the commitments and to
undertake the initiatives set out in the action plan . The
form of contribution agreement will be made available
closer to when the portal will be opening later in 2023 .
15. APPLICATION PROCESS
The following provides a high-level overview of the
application process:
–CMHC publishes program parameters and pre-application
reference material, including an action plan template on
its website
–Applicants assess their own local context, including
housing challenges and opportunities
–Applicants develop an action plan unique to their needs
in support of HAF, aligned with the prescribed action
plan template
–Applicants obtain appropriate approvals
–CMHC invites applicants to apply/portal opens for
application submissions
–Applicants submit their application to CMHC, including
their action plan
–CMHC will evaluate and prioritize applications
–CMHC will advise the applicant on the status of their
application
–For approved applications, CMHC will confirm the total
amount of funding available to incent new housing
supply, expectations on progress reports, and the
planned schedule of payments
–If approved, the proponent signs the contribution
agreement . If not already obtained, Council approval
(or equivalent) of the action plan is required before the
proponent enters into the contribution agreement
–The action plan will form part of the contribution
agreement between CMHC and the proponent .
16. IMPORTANT DATES
The following provides an overview of planned activities .
Some modifications may be required as CMHC prepares for
implementation . CMHC will provide further details as they
become available .
–Detailed program parameters published by CMHC
March 2023
–Potential applicants consider the program and develop
their action plans if interested in applying
–Launch and opening of the application intake portal
Summer 2023
–All HAF participants selected Summer/Fall 2023
–First advances processed Summer/Fall 2023
–First reporting period is 6 months following the date the
agreement is signed
–Second reporting period is the first anniversary of the
agreement, reports due within 60 days
–Second advances processed Summer/Fall 2024
–Third reporting period is the second anniversary of the
agreement, reports due within 60 days
–Third advances processed Summer/Fall 2025
–Fourth reporting period is the third anniversary of the
agreement, reports due within 60 days
–Fourth advances processed Summer/Fall 2026
–Fifth reporting period is the fourth anniversary of the
agreement, final use of funds report due within 90 days .
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APPENDIX A: APPLICATION DETAILS
CMHC anticipates that the following information will be required in the HAF application form, but applicants should be aware
that additional information may be requested in CMHC’s sole discretion .
1. GENERAL
Section A: Applicant Information
1.1. Organization Name
(English)
1.2. Organization Name
(French)
1.3. Organization Legal Name
1.4. Organization Office
Address
Street Number Street Name Street Type Street Direction Unit
City Province/Territory Postal Code
1.5. Applicant Contact Name
(First and Last Name)
1.6. Contact Email
1.7. Contact Business Phone
1.8. Contact Office Address Street Number Street Name Street Type Street Direction Unit
City Province/Territory Postal Code
1.9. Primary Contact Preferred
Language English French
1.10. Applicant Stream Large/Urban Small/Rural/North/Indigenous
1.11. Applicant Type Local government
Indigenous government
Regional district
Provincial or territory
1.12. Council Approval Indicate if Council approval (or equivalent) of the application has been obtained at the time of application
submission .
Yes No
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2. ACTION PLAN
Section B: Targets and Other Estimates
Projections should be based on a three-year period ending no later than September 1, 2026 .
1. Total number of housing units projected to be permitted without any support afforded by
HAF . If this projection does not align with historical trends, use the comment box below to
explain and provide supporting details or analysis .
[insert number]
Provide a breakdown by type of housing:
1 .1 Single detached homes [insert number]
1 .2 Multi-unit housing (in close proximity to rapid transit)[insert number]
1 .3 Multi-unit housing (missing middle)[insert number]
1 .4 Multi-unit housing (other)[insert number]
Total:[calculated field: row 1 .1 + row 1 .2 +
row 1 .3 + row 1 .4 must equal row 1]
2. Total number of housing units projected to be permitted with the support afforded by the
HAF . This is referred to as the “HAF housing supply growth target .” [insert number]
Provide a breakdown by type of housing:
2 .1 Single detached homes [insert number]
2 .2 Multi-unit housing (in close proximity to rapid transit)[insert number]
2 .3 Multi-unit housing (missing middle)[insert number]
2 .4 Multi-unit housing (other)[insert number]
Total:[calculated field: row 2 .1 + row 2 .2 +
row 2 .3 + row 2 .4 must equal row 2]
Provide a breakdown by year of the HAF program:
2 .5 For the year ending September 1, 2024 [insert number]
2 .6 For the year ending September 1, 2025 [insert number]
2 .7 For the year ending September 1, 2026 [insert number]
Total:[calculated field: row 2 .5 + row 2 .6 +
row 2 .7 must equal row 2]
3. Total number of “HAF incented units” (units projected with HAF minus units projected
without HAF) .
[calculated field:
row 2 minus row 1]
4. Percentage of affordable units projected to be permitted without any support afforded by HAF . [insert percentage] %
5. Percentage of affordable units projected to be permitted with the support afforded by HAF . [insert percentage] %
6. Total number of dwellings (i .e ., current housing stock)[insert number]
7. Projected average annual housing supply growth rate without HAF [calculated field:
row 1 / 3 years / row 6 * 100] %
8. Projected average annual housing supply growth rate with HAF (must exceed 1 .1%)[calculated field:
row 2 / 3 years / row 6 * 100] %
9. Projected increase in the housing supply growth rate (increase of at least 10%)[calculated field:
(row 8 minus row 7)/ row 7]
Comments
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Section C: Initiatives
Initiative 1 [name the initiative]
Initiative Type [select initiative from drop down – select the best one that applies]
Description [provide a brief description of the initiative, including its goals and objectives]
Start Date [start date or estimated start date yyyy/mm/dd]
Completion Date [estimated completion date yyyy/mm/dd]
Estimated Costs [estimated costs for implementing the initiative $0 .00]
Expected Results [estimated number of permitted units the initiative will incent]
[estimated number of permitted units the initiative will incent within the 3-year projection period]
[other expected results]
Evaluation Criteria The following evaluation criteria will be used to assess the application.
–The committed housing supply growth rate will be used as part of the assessment criteria .
This initiative supports the following objectives (select all that apply):
Creating more supply of housing at an accelerated pace and enhancing certainty in the approvals and
building process . [explain how the initiative supports the area selected]
Supporting the development of complete communities that are walkable consisting of appropriate
residential density and a diverse mix of land uses providing access to a wide variety of amenities and
services through public and active transportation . [explain how the initiative supports the area selected]
Supporting the development of affordable, inclusive, equitable and diverse communities that encourage
clear pathways to achieving greater socio-economic inclusion largely achieved through the equitable provision
of housing across the entire housing spectrum . [explain how the initiative supports the area selected]
Supporting the development of low-carbon and climate-resilient communities . [explain how the initiative
supports the area selected]
Answer the following questions in relation to the proposed initiative:
–Duration: How long will it take to complete/implement the initiative? [options include: within 1 year, within
2 years, over 2 years] [explain]
–Timeliness: How long will it take to start to achieve additional permitted units as a result of the initiative?
[options include: within 1 year, within 2 years, over 2 years] [explain]
–Supply Impact: The extent to which the initiative will improve housing and community outcomes . [options
include: high degree of improvement, medium degree of improvement, low degree of improvement]
[explain]
–System Impact: The extent to which the initiative increases stability and predictability in the housing system .
[options include: high degree of stability and predictability, medium degree of stability and predictability,
low degree of stability and predictability] [explain]
–While not a mandatory requirement at the time of application submission, the presence of a current housing
needs assessment will be considered as part of the assessment criteria .
Milestone 1 [name of milestone]
Description [provide a brief description of the milestone]
Start Date [estimated start date yyyy/mm/dd]
Completion Date [estimated completion date yyyy/mm/dd]
+ADD Milestone
+ADD Initiative
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Section D: Housing Needs Assessment
The applicant is expected to complete or update a housing needs assessment report to support its efforts to accelerate the supply of
housing . This report is required in support of the request for the third annual advance . Applicants that have recently, within two years
of the 2022 federal budget announcement (April 7, 2022), completed or updated their housing needs assessment can request that this
requirement be waived . If there is no reoccurring scheduled review date on this existing housing needs assessment report, there remains
a requirement to add a reoccurring scheduled review date in support of the request for the third annual advance .
Select the appropriate option below:
The applicant has recently, within two years of the 2022 federal budget announcement (April 7, 2022), completed a housing needs
assessment report and there is a reoccurring scheduled review date already included in the report . The applicant is requesting that
the housing needs assessment requirement be waived . If this option is selected, please submit the most recent housing needs
assessment report with the application .
The applicant has recently, within two years of the 2022 federal budget announcement (April 7, 2022), completed a housing needs
assessment report, but it will need to be updated to include a reoccurring scheduled review date . The applicant will add a reoccurring
scheduled review date in support of the request for the third annual advance .
The applicant does not have a housing needs assessment report . The applicant will complete one and include a reoccurring scheduled
review date in the report . This will be completed in support of the request for the third annual advance .
3. OTHER INFORMATION
Section E: Historical Building Permit Issuances
Summarize the number of net new units permitted for residential buildings over the prescribed reporting period and associated number
of permits issued (i .e ., the new construction permit/first permit issued only) .
Number of Units Permitted Associated Number of Permits Issued
For the year ending December 31, 2022
For the year ending December 31, 2021
For the year ending December 31, 2020
For the year ending December 31, 2019
For the year ending December 31, 2018
Section F: Permitted Use of Funds
For information purposes only. Using the illustrative examples provided by CMHC in its published program material, the applicant
estimates that they may be eligible for a total of $ under HAF . Based on this assumption, it is estimated that HAF funding
will be used for the following purposes:
Permitted Uses Applicant’s Estimate %Applicant’s Estimate $
Investments in HAF action plan items (include estimates
by year of program)
YR1 %
YR2 %
YR3 %
Total %
YR1 $
YR2 $
YR3 $
Total $
Investments in affordable housing %$
Investments in housing-related infrastructure %$
Investments in community-related infrastructure that
supports housing %$
Supplementary information if available . Describe all known capital projects that HAF funding could help facilitate .
Comments
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Section G: Infrastructure Needs
For information purposes only. To ensure better alignment and integrated planning of housing and infrastructure investments,
CMHC is collecting the following information . The applicant consents to CMHC sharing this information and other information
pertaining to its application under the Housing Accelerator Fund with Infrastructure Canada, other federal departments and agencies
and provincial and territorial governments to support coordination .
Describe how the local authority will ensure that new housing supply adequately aligns with local or regional infrastructure plans,
if applicable .
Describe how the local authority will ensure that new housing supply will be timely supported by infrastructure, such as public transit,
drinking water and wastewater connections, as well as parks and green spaces and other vital community amenities .
Comments
4. APPLICATION TERMS AND CONDITIONS
By creating, or attempting to create an application to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (“CMHC”) for funding, transfer of real
property or any other Initiative or a Program under the National Housing Strategy (the “NHS”) or the National Housing Act (Canada)
(the “NHA”), (each individually, an “Initiative” or a “Program”, and collectively, the “Initiatives” or the “Programs”), the Applicant hereby
acknowledges and agrees to the following terms and conditions:
1. Collection of Corporate Information and Personal Information (collectively, the “Information”) . CMHC (and parties working on its
behalf or collaborating with CMHC to administer the Initiatives and the Programs, where applicable) may collect information about the
Applicant, including information about the organization/corporation (“Corporate Information”) and Personal Information (meaning any
information about an identifiable individual that is recorded in any form), from or through: (i) discussions with the Applicant; (ii) the
online application form and its attachments (whether upon the saving of inputted Information into the form prior to submission of
the application, or upon submission of the application) and supplementary Information provided by or on behalf of the Applicant;
or (iii) other sources such as references, credit reporting agencies, provinces, territories, municipalities or Indigenous groups as will be
specified in the Initiative . In addition, CMHC may collect Corporate Information that is presently in CMHC’s possession arising out of,
or in connection with, the Applicant’s prior or existing relationship(s) with CMHC, such as from CMHC Initiatives, Programs or products .
Completion of the application for funding, transfer of real property or any other purposes of an Initiative or a Program under the
Initiatives or the Programs and the delivery to CMHC of signed consents referred to in Section 9 is voluntary; however, failure of the
Applicant to provide such signed consents and any required Information in connection with its application (including within stated
deadlines that may be specified in writing by or on behalf of CMHC) may result in the elimination of the application from consideration .
If any of the collected Information changes or becomes inaccurate, the Applicant must promptly notify CMHC in writing of the change .
2. Use and Disclosure of Information.
a) The Applicant agrees that the Information collected in connection with an application may be used or disclosed for the following
purposes:
(i) to assess the Applicant’s eligibility under the applicable Initiative(s) and/or Program(s);
(ii) to assess the application, including for prioritization of applications received;
(iii) to communicate to the Applicant possible opportunities under other Initiative(s) and /or Program(s);
(iv) to communicate to the Applicant possible collaboration opportunities with external parties;
(v) for Information verification and due diligence purposes, including to detect and protect CMHC from errors and fraud;
(vi) for any purpose related to the provision of mortgage loan insurance generally, where applicable;
(vii) for analytics, policy analysis, data analysis, auditing and research by CMHC;
(viii) for evaluation and efficient administration of the Initiatives and/or Programs; and
(ix) for use by CMHC and the Government of Canada for any purpose related to the National Housing Act (Canada) and/or the
National Housing Strategy .
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b) Prior to submission of the application, any Information collected through the online application process may only be used by CMHC
for internal administration and planning purposes in respect of initiatives and/or programs under the National Housing Strategy
and/or the National Housing Act (Canada), unless the Applicant’s prior written consent to the disclosure of such Information to
parties external to CMHC, for the purposes outlined in subsection 2(a) above, has been obtained .
c) Upon submission of the application, CMHC and parties working on its behalf or collaborating with CMHC to administer the
Initiatives and/or Programs, where applicable, are authorized to process and store the Information and disclose it, on a need
to know basis, for the purposes outlined in subsection 2(a) above, to:
(i) the office of the Minister responsible for CMHC;
(ii) Employment and Social Development Canada (“ESDC”), the office of the Minister responsible for ESDC, Public Services and
Procurement Canada (“PSPC”), the office of the Minister responsible for PSPC, Canada Lands Company CLC Limited (“CLC”),
the office of the Minister responsible for CLC and the municipality in which the project is located, Indigenous Services Canada
(“ISC”), the office of the Minister responsible for ISC, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (“CIRNAC”),
the office of the Minister responsible for CIRNAC, the municipality or reserve in which the project is located, Infrastructure
Canada (“IC”), the office of the Minister responsible for IC, and to any other successor organization of the organizations
listed herein .
(iii) the Government of Canada; and
(iv) provinces, territories, municipalities or Indigenous groups that may invest in or provide support for the Applicant’s project or
otherwise collaborate with CMHC as will be specified in the Initiative .
3. Agreements . If the Applicant is selected by CMHC to receive funding and/or a transfer of real property, then the Applicant will enter
into (and will cause related parties including guarantors, if any, to enter into) agreements that set out the terms and conditions of such
funding and/or transfer of real property . Where CMHC is providing funding, the agreements may specify, among other things, the
amount to be advanced to the Applicant as well as any terms and conditions of repayment, where applicable . The granting of loan
or contribution funding or any part thereof or approval for mortgage loan insurance by CMHC is not to be construed or relied on by
the Applicant or any other party as representing a confirmation of the value or condition of the underlying property, whether or not
appraisals or inspections are carried out by or for CMHC; nor is it to be construed or relied on by the Applicant or any other party as
representing a confirmation of the ability of the borrower(s) and any guarantor(s) to repay the loan, where applicable .
4. Intellectual Property Rights . The Applicant owns and holds all rights, title and interests in, or has a valid right to use, all intellectual
property in and to all information and materials produced in connection with the Applicant’s project and the application (including,
without limitation, all patents, industrial designs, trademarks, trade names, service marks, copyrights, trade secrets, inventions, know-
how, domestic or foreign, and any registrations and applications for registration for any of the foregoing) to the extent it is neither
published nor otherwise in the public domain . Subject to the terms and conditions of this application, the Applicant hereby grants to
CMHC a non-exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, assignable, royalty-free sub-licensable license to use, make, have made, sell, offer for
sale, and import the intellectual property worldwide, with the right to make such modifications as may be desirable for any purpose
related to the current or future operation of CMHC . Where an Applicant’s intellectual property, in connection with its project under
the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund, is modified by or on behalf of CMHC, CMHC shall own and hold all right, title and interests
in and to the intellectual property as modified by or on behalf of CMHC . This provision, including the license so granted, shall survive
the application .
5. Proprietary and/or Confidential Information . All Information regarding the terms and conditions and financial and/or technical
aspects of the Applicant’s proposal that are proprietary or confidential in nature have been and will be marked “PROPRIETARY” or
“CONFIDENTIAL” when submitted to CMHC . Proprietary and confidential markings shall be included beside each item or at the top
of each page containing Information that the Applicant wishes to protect from disclosure . CMHC will make all reasonable efforts to
protect the Applicant’s documents and Information so marked from disclosure . Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) CMHC shall have no
liability of any kind to the Applicant, or any other party, based on inadvertent or unintentional disclosure of proprietary or confidential
Information; and (ii) CMHC is authorized to disclose proprietary or confidential Information, on a need to know basis, to the parties
listed in subsection 2(c) . The Applicant has been advised that as a Crown corporation, CMHC is subject to federal legislation including
the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act . In certain specific circumstances, Information submitted to CMHC by the Applicant
may be required to be disclosed pursuant to federal legislation . In such cases, to the extent reasonably possible and permitted under
the law, CMHC will make efforts to advise the Applicant of the required disclosure prior to releasing the Information .
6. Publicity . If the Applicant is selected by CMHC to receive funding and/or a transfer of real property, CMHC, the Government of Canada
and any other province, territory, municipality or Indigenous group that invests in or provides support for the Applicant’s project shall
have the right to publicize details of the project, the funding assistance and the name of the successful Applicant . By submitting its
application, the Applicant confirms its consent to the disclosure of this information . The Applicant is not permitted to make any
announcement regarding any of the Initiatives and/or Programs, including without limitation, any funding or transfer of real property
without the express written consent of CMHC .
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7. Contact . CMHC and parties working on its behalf are each authorized to contact any person listed in this application (including any
agent of the Applicant) to consider the Applicant’s eligibility for the funding or transfer of real property requested or in connection
with the administration of the Initiatives and /or Programs and may send such person(s) program information by email or other means
of communication .
8. Verification and Credit Inquiries . Where applicable to determine creditworthiness for funding in the form of a loan, the Applicant
authorizes CMHC and parties working on its behalf to: (i) obtain business credit reports or individual credit reports or both, where
applicable (for example, on sole proprietors, surety/guarantors, for-profit corporate entities, not-for-profit organizations) to perform
a credit check and verify information provided by or on behalf of an Applicant and to assess the Applicant’s application; and (ii) make
any other inquiries required, including without limitation, obtaining corporate and business information, to assess the Applicant’s
application .
9. Integrity Checks . The Applicant authorizes CMHC (and parties working on its behalf or collaborating with CMHC to administer the
Initiatives and/or Programs, where applicable) to conduct general integrity and criminal record checks and other similar screening
(“Integrity Screening”) of the Applicant to assess the Applicant’s eligibility for receipt of funding or transfer of real property under
an Initiative and/or Program . CMHC may additionally require Integrity Screening to be performed on any parties affiliated with the
Applicant, including without limitation, its directors, shareholders and beneficial owners, and the Applicant shall cause to be delivered
to CMHC, consents to such Integrity Screening being performed duly signed by such affiliated parties .
10. Acknowledgement . The Applicant acknowledges that: (i) any acknowledgement of receipt of the submitted application shall not
constitute an approval of the application or a guarantee that the Applicant will receive any funding and/or transfer of real property;
(ii) the application and any other submitted materials will not be returned to the Applicant; and (iii) the Applicant is not entitled to
any compensation for any work related to, or materials supplied in connection with, the application .
11. Release and Indemnity . By creating or attempting to create an application to CMHC under any of the Initiatives and/or Programs, and
upon submission of an application, each Applicant and purported Applicant agrees to indemnify, release and forever hold harmless
CMHC, its officers, directors, employees, agents and any other parties working for or engaged by or collaborating with CMHC or
otherwise involved in connection with the administration of the Initiatives and /or Programs (including without limitation, provinces,
territories, municipalities, and Indigenous groups) from any and all claims, actions, demands, causes of action, suits, debts, damages
(including without limitation, direct, indirect, special, incidental, punitive, third party or consequential damages) or any other losses,
expenses or liabilities of whatever nature or kind sustained by the Applicant or any other person arising out of, or in connection with,
the Applicant’s application or attempted application made to any of the Initiatives and/or Programs, including the assessment,
evaluation and any selection process and any use of this website . CMHC is not responsible for applications that are lost, late,
misdirected or delayed for any reason, including for any failure of the website or technical malfunctions related thereto .
12. Access to Information and Privacy Statement .
CMHC is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality and security of the personal information that it holds by adhering to
the requirements of the Privacy Act with respect to the management of personal information . By providing CMHC with your personal
information for the purposes of one of the Programs, you are consenting to CMHC’s collection, use and disclosure of your personal
information in strict accordance with the Privacy Act . Personal Information collected by CMHC for the purposes of one of the Programs,
can be found in their Info Source Publication on their website under the following Personal Information Bank:
•CMHC PPU 220, National Housing Strategy Program and
•CMHC PPU 180, Shared Equity Mortgage Providers Fund
The Privacy Act provides individuals with a right to access their personal information that is under the control of CMHC, to request
corrections of their personal information and to file a complaint to the Privacy Commissioner of Canada regarding CMHC’s handling
of personal information . Any questions, comments, concerns, requests for personal information or complaints may be directed to
CMHC’s Access to Information and Privacy Office at ATIP-AIPRP@cmhc-schl .gc .ca or you may also visit their website .
13. Headings for Convenience Only . The headings used in these terms and conditions are intended for convenience or reference only
and do not affect the interpretation of the provisions of these terms and conditions .
14. Paramountcy . To the extent of any conflict, ambiguity or inconsistency between the provisions of these terms and conditions and any
other documents provided to the Applicant, the provisions of these terms and conditions shall prevail and replace any existing terms
and conditions in place with the Applicant, with regard to the subject-matters set forth herein .
If you have any questions or concerns regarding these Terms and Conditions, please email CMHC .
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5. ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND SIGNATURE
By signing below, I certify that I am authorized to agree to the Terms and Conditions described above and to complete and submit this
application for and on behalf of the Applicant . I certify that the information provided is, to the best of my knowledge and ability, complete,
accurate and correct and that if any of the information changes or becomes inaccurate, I shall promptly notify CMHC . I have read and
understood the Terms and Conditions described above and acknowledge that they shall continue to apply upon my submission of this
application . I confirm the Applicant has voluntarily consented to the collection, use and disclosure of information as set forth in these
terms and conditions .
This application may be executed by electronic signature and such electronic signature shall be deemed to be an original signature for
the purpose of this application with the same legal effect as a manual signature .
Full legal name of Applicant
Date Signed
Signature of Applicant authorized signatory
Name of Applicant Authorized signatory
Title of Applicant Authorized Signatory
Learn more at cmhc-nhs.ca 70130 20230210-004AHousing Accelerator Fund | PRE-APPLICATION REFERENCE MATERIAL