Housing Accelerator Fund Incentives for Homeowners and Developers Announced

A green background with the text "Housing Accelerator Fund Incentives" in large white and green letters with a photo of a row of homes. The logos of the City of St. John's and the Government of Canada are displayed at the bottom of the image.

The City of St. John’s announced two new Housing Accelerator Fund incentives today: grants for homeowners for additional housing units and an incentive program for developers who are building multi-unit purpose built rentals.

In March 2024, the City announced that it has been allocated over $10.4 million in federal funding through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Housing Accelerator Fund to stimulate housing growth. This funding will support the implementation of these new incentives, as well as future action items within the action plan.

"We are excited to introduce these new incentives, which aim to make it easier for homeowners and developers in St. John's to contribute to our community's housing supply” said Councillor Ron Ellsworth, lead for housing. “Thanks to funding from the CMHC, we are creating more opportunities for housing and densification. These initiatives are a significant step toward addressing the growing need for housing in our city, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have."

Grant Program for Subsidiary Dwelling Units, Backyard Suites and Tiny Homes

A one-time grant of up to $20,000 will be available to homeowners looking to build a subsidiary dwelling unit (apartment) or backyard suite at their primary residence or a tiny home on its own lot. Additional funding may be available to improve the accessibility or energy efficiency of a unit and successful applicants will be eligible for a one-time City of St. John’s permit fees exemption.

Applicants must be the registered owner of the residence at the time of application and reside at the property. For tiny home applications, an applicant must provide title documentation to the property where the unit is to be built. Applications will be assessed on a first come, first served basis between the period of August 12, 2024 and December 1, 2026, or until funds are exhausted, whichever occurs first.

Multi-Unit Purpose Built Rentals Incentives

For developers, multi-unit purpose-built rentals incentives are now available which include fee exemptions to a maximum of $100,000. Eligible projects must include at least four attached units with each having a private kitchen, bathroom and living area. Fee exemptions considered for this initiative include:

plumbing, electrical, and building permit fees; and
development application and development fees.

Projects must be approved between August 1, 2024 and December 31, 2026, and completed by December 21, 2027.

For more information on eligibility and how to apply to incentive programs, visit stjohns.ca/HAF.

Open House

The City is hosting an open house to discuss its new Housing Accelerator Fund Incentives.

Date: Tuesday, August 20

Time: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Location: 245 Freshwater Road (St. John’s Community Market)

During the open house, attendees will have the chance to drop-in and meet with city officials to discuss the specifics of the Housing Accelerator Fund and the new incentives. No registration is required to attend.

This event location is wheelchair accessible with accessible parking and a GoBus stop. More information about the venue can be found at sjfm.ca. For further inquiries about accommodations or accessibility, please call 709-570-2096 or email sbwalsh@stjohns.ca.

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