Rapid Housing Initiative Funding – Cities Stream

25% of funding will be targeted to create housing for women and/or women and their children. CMHC encourages municipalities to work with Indigenous-led organizations to target 15% of funding for urban Indigenous Peoples. In addition to these targets, municipalities are encouraged to take a community benefits approach and support projects for Black Canadians.

Eligible types of housing – new construction

Rapid Housing Initiative funding supports the new construction of single, scattered units up to larger multi-unit rental projects, which can include land acquisition. Traditional construction methods and modular housing are accepted if the units can be delivered within the timelines that apply to the projects' location.

Eligible types of housing – conversions/rehabilitations

Rapid Housing Initiative funding supports land acquisition and buildings for the conversion of non-residential to affordable housing.

Rapid Housing Initiative funding supports land acquisition and buildings that are in disrepair or abandoned, for the rehabilitation to affordable housing. Rehabilitation of units is defined as units that are in disrepair and/or abandoned and in both cases are uninhabitable or have been lost from the housing stock.

Eligible property types

• standard rental
• transitional housing
• permanent supportive housing
• single room occupancy
• seniors’ housing (excludes delivery of healthcare)

All projects must be:

• located in Canada
• available for year-round occupancy
• long term tenancy (3 months or more)
• residential for its primary use
• for rehabilitation funding, the project must be vacant, uninhabitable and lost from the housing stock

All projects must have a minimum:

• of 5 units or beds* (units and beds are interchangeable and are based on project type)
• contribution request of $1 million*

*Flexibilities are supported for projects in Indigenous communities, the North, rural, remote or special access communities.

Accessibility and energy efficiency requirements

New construction projects through the Cities Stream must exceed local accessibility requirements in their jurisdiction by at least 5%.

New construction projects through the Cities Stream must meet the energy efficiency standards set out in the National Energy Code for Buildings or National Building Code, as it applies below:

• Part 3 of the 2017 National Energy Code for Buildings for buildings larger than 600m² in total area or greater than 3 stories.
• Part 9 of the 2015 National Building Code for buildings less than 600m² in total area and 3 stories or less.

Affordability requirements

All units must:

• provide a minimum depth of affordability (tenants pay no more than 30% of their before-tax income on housing costs or the equivalent of the shelter component of any provincial or territorial income assistance)
• remain affordable for a minimum of 20 years

Target population requirements

All units must be dedicated to people and populations that are vulnerable, and in severe housing need including:

• Women and children fleeing violence
• Seniors
• Young adults
• Indigenous peoples
• People with disabilities
• People dealing with mental health and addiction issues
• Veterans
• 2SLGBTQIA+
• Racialized groups, including Black Canadians
• Recent immigrants, especially refugees
• People experiencing or at risk of homelessness

Expediency

Recipients are expected to deliver completed units within 18 months (within 24 months in the North).