Key Takeaways
- The federal government launched Build Canada Homes to speed up affordable‑housing construction, combat homelessness, and partner with provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous groups, and private developers.
- Over $32.6 million from the Canada Greener Affordable Housing Program (CGAH) will retrofit 269 homes in two Coquitlam sites with double‑pane windows, heat pumps, energy‑recovery ventilators, low‑flow plumbing, and rooftop solar.
- These upgrades lower energy bills, improve indoor comfort and safety during extreme weather, and extend the lifespan of existing housing stock.
- Coquitlam’s Housing Action Plan, backed by the Housing Accelerator Fund, has already secured a third installment of more than $7 million for streamlining approvals and non‑profit partnerships.
- Officials stress that preserving and upgrading current buildings is a cost‑effective way to keep housing affordable while cutting greenhouse‑gas emissions.
- CMHC continues to act as a national convenor, supplying data, mortgage insurance, and policy advice to support a sustainable, equitable, and climate‑resilient housing system.
Introduction to Canada’s Housing Crisis and Federal Response
Canada’s housing affordability challenge has reached a critical point, with many households unable to find homes that fit their budgets. Rising construction costs, lengthy approval processes, and a shortage of supply have intensified pressure on low‑ and moderate‑income families. In response, the Government of Canada has adopted a coordinated strategy that pairs immediate financial incentives with long‑term policy reforms. By targeting both new construction and the retrofitting of existing stock, the federal approach seeks to relieve demand‑side pressures while simultaneously boosting supply‑side capacity. This dual focus aims to create a more resilient housing market that can withstand economic fluctuations and climate‑related stresses.
Build Canada Homes: Expanding Affordable Supply
At the heart of the federal response is Build Canada Homes, a program designed to accelerate the pace of affordable homebuilding across the country. The initiative works with provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and private‑market developers to increase the supply of homes for low‑income households as well as the middle class. In addition to constructing new units, Build Canada Homes funds transitional and supportive housing projects that directly address homelessness. By leveraging partnerships and streamlining funding mechanisms, the program aims to reduce the time between project conception and occupancy, thereby delivering homes more quickly to those in greatest need.
CGAH Funding Announcement for Coquitlam Retrofits
On May 13, 2026, the federal government announced more than $32.6 million through the Canada Greener Affordable Housing Program (CGAH) to repair and retrofit 269 homes located at two Coquitlam addresses: Packard Apartments (2860 Packard Avenue) and Garden Court (2865 Packard Avenue). The funding package combines federal contributions with matching investments from the Community Land Trust, illustrating a collaborative model that blends public resources with local expertise. This investment forms part of a broader effort to upgrade Canada’s aging housing stock while making it more energy‑efficient, affordable, and resilient to climate impacts.
Specific Energy‑Efficiency Upgrades and Their Benefits
The retrofit work will install double‑paned windows, new air‑source heat pumps, energy‑recovery ventilators (ERVs), low‑flow plumbing fixtures, and rooftop solar panels on the targeted buildings. Double‑pane windows and ERVs reduce heat loss and improve indoor air quality, while heat pumps provide efficient heating and cooling that cut reliance on fossil fuels. Low‑flow fixtures decrease water consumption, lowering utility bills and easing pressure on municipal water systems. Rooftop solar panels generate on‑site renewable electricity, further reducing energy costs and greenhouse‑gas emissions. Collectively, these measures are projected to extend the life of the buildings by decades, enhance resident comfort during heat waves and cold snaps, and deliver measurable savings on energy expenditures.
Statements from MP Zoe Royer and Minister Gregor Robertson
Zoe Royer, Member of Parliament for Port Moody‑Coquitlam, spoke on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. She emphasized that the project will “extend the life of more than 290 homes… making them more sustainable, affordable, and comfortable for current and future residents.” Royer highlighted the dual advantage of reducing energy costs while cutting greenhouse‑gas emissions, noting that such investments are essential for meeting Canada’s climate targets. Her remarks underscored the government’s commitment to leveraging housing upgrades as a tool for both affordability and environmental stewardship.
Community Land Trust Perspective – Michelle Cooper‑Iversen
Michelle Cooper‑Iversen, Chief Operating Officer of the Community Land Trust, echoed the sentiment that preserving existing structures is a cornerstone of affordable‑housing strategy. She stated, “These key upgrades will improve the sustainability of these homes for both current and future resident members, while reducing operating costs. When it comes to keeping housing affordable, extending the lifespan of existing buildings is crucial.” Cooper‑Iversen praised funding programs like CGAH for providing the financial flexibility needed to undertake deep energy retrofits, which would otherwise be prohibitively expensive for many community housing providers. Her comments highlighted the importance of public‑private partnerships in achieving scalable, long‑term housing solutions.
Housing Accelerator Fund and Coquitlam’s Housing Action Plan
The Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) incentivizes municipalities to cut red tape and accelerate homebuilding by rewarding innovative planning reforms. Coquitlam submitted an ambitious Housing Action Plan that includes streamlining municipal approval processes, adopting flexible zoning, and partnering with non‑profit organizations to create affordable units. The city’s successful implementation of these measures earned it a third HAF installment of more than $7 million. This funding will further support the acceleration of housing projects, reduce bureaucratic delays, and encourage the development of a diverse mix of housing types that meet varying income needs.
Economic Impacts: Job Creation and Supply‑Chain Strengthening
Federal housing investments are designed to generate economic benefits beyond shelter provision. By financing retrofits and new construction, the government stimulates demand for building materials, skilled labor, and professional services, thereby strengthening Canadian supply chains. The projects in Coquitlam are expected to create good‑paying jobs for tradespeople, technicians, and support staff across the retrofit value chain. Moreover, the emphasis on energy‑efficient technologies fosters growth in emerging sectors such as heat‑pump manufacturing and solar‑panel installation, positioning Canada to capitalize on the global transition to low‑carbon economies while addressing domestic housing needs.
CMHC’s Role in Supporting Housing Affordability and Sustainability
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) continues to serve as a national convenor that links government, private, and non‑profit actors. Through its mortgage‑insurance products, CMHC facilitates access to home ownership and supports the creation and maintenance of rental housing. Its research and data collections inform evidence‑based policy decisions, helping governments identify gaps and measure progress toward affordability goals. By fostering collaboration across sectors, CMHC contributes to a housing system that is not only more affordable but also equitable and climate‑compatible, reinforcing the federal objective of building a sustainable future for all Canadians.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The recent CGAH funding announcement in Coquitlam exemplifies how targeted investments can simultaneously tackle affordability, energy efficiency, and climate resilience. Programs like Build Canada Homes, the Housing Accelerator Fund, and CMHC’s coordinated efforts illustrate a comprehensive approach that addresses both the supply and quality of housing. Continued collaboration among federal, provincial, municipal, Indigenous, and private stakeholders will be essential to scale these successes nationwide. As Canada moves forward, maintaining momentum on innovative financing, streamlined approvals, and green retrofits will be key to ensuring that every Canadian has access to a safe, affordable, and sustainable home.