Federal Lands Initiative

Surplus federal lands and buildings developed into affordable housing communities

Overview

The Federal Lands Initiative is a $200-million fund that supports the transfer of surplus federal lands and buildings to eligible proponents. This is available at discounted to no cost to be developed or renovated for use as affordable housing. The discount on the property will depend on the level of social outcomes achieved by the winning proposal. Once transferred, the property will be developed or renovated into affordable, sustainable, accessible and socially inclusive housing.

The Federal Lands Initiative is led by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) with support from:

Properties currently available for the Federal Lands Initiative

Orillia, ON
Property located at Property at 25 Peter Street, Orillia, Ontario

Request for Interest:

Edmonton, AB
Site located in the Griesbach neighbourhood of Northern Edmonton, Alberta

How it works

Eligibility and Requirements

The Federal Lands Initiative is open but not limited to the following groups:

community housing organizations
non-profit organizations or registered charities
co-operative housing organizations
municipal, provincial and territorial governments including their agencies
Indigenous governments and organizations, including Tribal Councils
for profit organizations

Eligible affordable housing projects include, but are not limited to:

mixed-income
mixed-use (commercial space should not exceed 30% of gross floor area)
mixed-tenure
shelters
transitional housing
supportive housing
rental housing
affordable homeownership

Minimum Requirements

Proposals to build or renovate surplus federal property into affordable housing must meet the following minimum requirements:

Affordability: At least 30% of units must be less than 80% of Median Market Rent, for a minimum of 25 years.
Accessibility: At least 20% of units must meet accessibility standards and projects must be barrier-free or demonstrate full universal design.
Energy Efficiency: New projects are required to achieve either a 25% decrease in energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions relative to the 2015 National Energy Code for Buildings or the 2015 National Building Code; OR a 15% decrease relative to the 2017 National Energy Code for Buildings.
For repair or renewal projects, a 25% decrease in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions relative to past performance of the property is required.
Evidence of Community Need: Proponents must provide a clear description of how their project will meet the needs of the community and at least a letter of support from the municipality, a market study or waiting lists for social or affordable housing in the community.
Experience: Proponents, or their team, must indicate a minimum of 5 years of experience in the construction/renovation and operation of projects of similar size and scope.
Financial Viability: Projects must meet the minimum debt coverage ratio (DCR) of 1.10.

Federal Lands Initiative

Overview