Ground broken on largest community housing project in Newfoundland and Labrador in over 40 years

St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, September 8

Through Build Canada Homes, the Government of Canada is taking action to increase housing supply and accelerate the construction of affordable homes for Canadians.

Today, representatives from Avalon Housing Trust, Build Canada Homes, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, and the Government of Canada marked the groundbreaking of 100 Churchill Avenue, a new affordable housing development in St. John's.

Developed by Avalon Housing Trust, a non-profit housing provider, the project will deliver 137 new homes, including 114 affordable homes that will remain affordable for at least 25 years, helping address the growing need for safe, stable and affordable housing in the community. The development will include housing options for residents with a range of income levels, supporting greater housing stability and affordability.

Supported through investments from Build Canada Homes, the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, the City of St. John's and the Affordable Housing Fund delivered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the project represents a collaborative effort among all orders of government and the non-profit sector to increase housing supply and create more affordable housing options for residents.

As the largest community housing project in Newfoundland and Labrador in more than 40 years, the development represents a significant expansion of affordable housing supply in the province. Once complete, it will help create a more inclusive and sustainable community in St. John's.

Quotes:

“Today, we are announcing 137 new homes on Churchill Avenue in Pleasantville, with 114 of them staying affordable for at least 25 years. Housing is the thing I hear about most at the door in St. John's East, and today this stops being a plan and becomes a construction site. Build Canada Homes, the province, the city and Avalon Housing Trust all put money on the table to get us here, and I'm glad to see the work start.”
— The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries and Member of Parliament for St. John's East

“This project, featuring affordable and market rental housing, demonstrates the good things that can happen when different levels of government work together with community sector partners to build housing. It will provide dozens of families with housing that meet their needs in the exciting, booming area of Pleasantville. Our Provincial Government is pleased to contribute $8.25 million to this worthy development.”
— The Honourable Chris Tibbs, Minister of Housing and Minister of Social Supports and Well-Being

“100 Churchill Avenue is a transformative investment in the future of St. John's. As the largest community housing development in Newfoundland and Labrador in more than four decades, it will expand access to affordable housing while strengthening the community for years to come. Build Canada Homes is proud to partner in bringing this important project to life.”
— Ana Bailão, President and CEO, Build Canada Homes

Quick facts:

The development at 100 Churchill Avenue will deliver 137 new homes in St. John's, including 114 affordable homes.
The project is the largest community housing development in Newfoundland and Labrador in more than 40 years.
The approximately $50 million project is supported by funding commitments of up to $11.4 million from Build Canada Homes, $24.2 through CMHC's Affordable Housing Fund, up to $8.3 million from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, more than $480,000 from the City of St. John's, $2.25 million from Avalon Housing Trust, and a $2.25 million investment from New Market Funds, in addition to land provided by the proponent.
Project funding remains subject to due diligence, underwriting, funding availability, required approvals, and the execution of definitive agreements.
The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) provided funding through low-interest and/or forgivable loans or contributions to partnered organizations for new affordable housing and the renovation and repair of existing, affordable and community housing. This was a $16.1 billion program under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) that gave priority to projects that help people who need it most, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people living with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, Veterans, and young adults. The application portal for AHF is now closed as all funding has been committed.
- As of June 2026, the Government of Canada has committed $15.83 billion to support the creation of over 61,900 units and the repair of over 173,500 units through the Affordable Housing Fund.
- On September 19, 2025, the Government of Canada announced $1.5 billion top-up in loans for the AHF’s New Construction Stream, to support the creation of over 5,000 new units starting in 2025 – 26. Additionally, the AHF’s Rapid Housing Sub-Stream will be accelerated, by pulling $385 million in funding from future years.

About Build Canada Homes:

Build Canada Homes is a federal Crown corporation with the mandate to scale up the supply of affordable housing across Canada. By leveraging public lands, deploying flexible financial tools, and acting as a catalyst for modern methods of construction, Build Canada Homes is driving a more productive and innovative homebuilding sector.

About Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation:

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is a federal Crown corporation and the foundation of Canada’s housing system. For over 80 years, CMHC has supported the functioning of housing markets across the country through housing finance solutions — including mortgage loan insurance and securitization — while providing trusted, unbiased data, research and market intelligence to inform policy and decision making. Through its national presence, deep expertise in housing economics and finance, and a system-wide perspective, CMHC helps foster a more stable, well-functioning housing market that supports households, communities and the broader economy.