Ontario Construction News staff writer
Applications are now open for a new $1-billion federal program to help municipalities and Indigenous communities build critical infrastructure. The funding, provided through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund, is intended to support essential services like drinking water, wastewater, stormwater management, and solid waste systems.
Housing Minister Sean Fraser says he expects to distribute the full $1 billion to communities by the end of the year. He also responded to criticisms from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who has pledged to eliminate this program, among other federal housing initiatives, if his party forms government.
A call for project proposals under the direct delivery stream of the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) is open until March 31, 2025.
At least 10 per cent of funding will be set aside for projects serving First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. Eligible Indigenous applicants will have until May 19, 2025, to submit projects.
Fraser also announced Thursday that the Regional Homebuilding Innovation Fund is now accepting applications. The $50-million program, which will be distributed over two years, is aimed at supporting housing construction in southern Ontario.
Municipalities and Indigenous communities will be able to apply online. Applicants will need to clearly demonstrate how their proposed projects will support more homes by expanding or improving critical infrastructure. Municipalities with a population larger than 30,000 will be required to allow four units to be built in their communities. More information about the CHIF, including details on eligibility and how to apply, can be found on the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada’s website.
Fraser also announced that Canada’s Regional Development Agencies have begun accepting applications for the Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative (RHII). Through RHII, Canada’s Regional Development Agencies are investing $50 million over two years, beginning this year, to provide support to the residential home construction sector and its supply chain.
The initiative will advance innovative homebuilding solutions while boosting manufacturing efficiency and output to improve capacity within the homebuilding sector across the country. It will also prioritize projects such as modular housing, the use of 3D printing, and panelized construction.
“These two initiatives will go a long way in fast tracking investments in critical infrastructure that communities need and advancing innovative homebuilding solutions that will help build more homes, faster across Canada,” Fraser said. “No one level of government can end the housing crisis on their own, and these programs are just some of the ways we are partnering with others across the country to ensure that all Canadians have a safe and affordable place to call home.”