Helping build more homes, faster in Burnaby

Burnaby, British Columbia, December 19, 2023

With federal funding, and federal leadership we are changing how cities let housing get built in their municipalities. With a greater focus on higher density housing, student housing, homes near transit and affordable housing we are going to get more homes built for Canadians at prices they can afford.

Today, the Government of Canada and the City of Burnaby announced that they reached an agreement to fast track 1,290 housing units over the next three years. This work will help spur the construction of more than 11,340 homes over the next decade.

The agreement, under the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) will provide over $43 million to eliminate barriers to build the housing we need, faster. Burnaby’s Action Plan commits to seven local initiatives that address the region’s increasing housing demand. Zoning reforms and approval process improvements will increase housing diversity and affordability to better respond to the diverse needs of the community. The funding will enable gentle density and missing-middle housing, streamline the development process with the use of technology, and support the Burnaby Housing Authority in the delivery of new non-market housing.

HAF is helping cut red tape and fast track at least 100,000 permitted new homes over the first three years which cities and regions estimate will lead to the creation of over 250,000 permitted new homes for people in towns, cities, and Indigenous communities across Canada over the next decade. It asks for innovative action plans from local governments, and once approved, provides upfront funding to ensure the timely building of new homes, as well as additional funds upon delivering results. Local governments are encouraged to think big and be bold in their approaches, which could include accelerating project timelines, allowing increased housing density, and encouraging affordable housing units.

The Government of Canada is making life more affordable for Canadians — and housing is key to our work. We will continue to work with provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, as well as Indigenous partners, to keep building more homes for Canadians, faster.

Quotes:

“Today’s announcement will help fast track close to 1,300 homes in the next three years and over 11,300 homes over the next decade. By working with cities, mayors, and all levels of government, we are helping to get more homes built for Canadians at prices they can afford.”
— The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“Helping build more homes across Burnaby empowers generations of families to establish stronger roots and make our community a better place. The federal government is committed to collaborating with municipalities, stakeholders and local developers to ensure the success of the Housing Accelerator Fund program. We appreciate Mayor Hurley and Council for their ongoing partnership and advocacy. Our government will continue working towards making life more affordable for all Canadians.”
— The Honourable Terry Beech, Minister of Citizens’ Services, Member of Parliament for Burnaby North-Seymour

“Burnaby’s innovative housing policies are driving the creation of thousands of affordable homes in our community, with more than 1,200 units currently under construction,” said Mayor Mike Hurley. “The support of our partners in the federal government through the Housing Accelerator Fund is integral to delivering affordable housing for Burnaby residents.”
— Mike Hurley, Mayor for the City of Burnaby

Quick facts:

Today’s announcement was made by the Honourable Terry Beech, Minister of Citizens’ Services, Member of Parliament for Burnaby North-Seymour; Mike Hurley, Mayor for the City of Burnaby.
The City of Burnaby’s Action Plan has an emphasis on zoning reforms to encourage gentle density and missing middle housing forms and the creation of non-market housing to improve affordability.
The Action Plan also includes development process improvements for faster approvals by introducing new digital technologies such as zoning compliance software and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Launched in March 2023, the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) is a $4 billion initiative from the Government of Canada that will run until 2026 – 27.
The Housing Accelerator Fund is part of Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS), an $82+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly at www.placetocallhome.ca. The Housing Funding Initiatives Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed.
Since the creation of the NHS, the Government of Canada has committed over $38.89 billion to support the creation of over 151,803 units and the repair of over 241,133 units. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence.