Key Takeaways:
- The Government of Canada has launched Build Canada Homes to increase the supply of affordable housing in Canada.
- Over $510,000 in combined funding has been announced through the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) to support affordable housing projects.
- The National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10+ year, $115+ billion plan to provide more Canadians with affordable housing.
- The Government of Canada is committed to working with all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors to advance housing affordability, equity, and climate compatibility.
- The Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025, aims to speed up the construction of new homes and infrastructure by streamlining development processes and reducing costs.
Introduction to the Housing Crisis in Canada
The housing crisis in Canada is a pressing issue that affects many Canadians, with far too many struggling to find homes they can afford. The Government of Canada has recognized the need for immediate action to bring down costs, cut red tape, and build homes more quickly. To address this issue, the Government has launched a bold new approach to increase the supply of housing in Canada. This approach includes the launch of Build Canada Homes, a program designed to increase the pace of affordable homebuilding and provide more Canadians with access to affordable housing.
Build Canada Homes and the National Housing Strategy
Build Canada Homes is a key component of the Government of Canada’s broader efforts to respond to the housing crisis. The program will help increase the supply of affordable housing in Canada by partnering with provinces, territories, municipalities, and Indigenous communities to build more homes. The National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10+ year, $115+ billion plan that aims to provide more Canadians with affordable housing. The NHS is built on strong partnerships between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, and continuous engagement with others, including municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the social and private housing sectors.
The Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative
The Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) is an initiative that provides funding to repair, regenerate, and expand community housing. COCHI has announced over $510,000 in combined funding to support affordable housing projects in Ontario. One such project is the Caledonia 3 apartment building in Dutton, Ontario, which includes 33 new units for seniors, with 17 of them supported through COCHI funding. The building meets energy efficiency standards and includes seven barrier-free units, along with a common laundry room, elevator, and shared community space.
Government Commitment to Affordable Housing
The Government of Canada is committed to providing communities with the support they need to develop local solutions to homelessness. Access to adequate, affordable housing is seen as the foundation for socio-economic success, supporting better education and health outcomes, better employment prospects, and better community engagement. The Government is working hand-in-hand with all levels of government to strengthen communities and protect vulnerable populations. The completion of Caledonia 3 is an example of this collaboration, providing much-needed affordable housing for seniors and reflecting a strong commitment to strengthening the community.
Progress on the National Housing Strategy
The National Housing Strategy has made significant progress since its launch, with the federal government committing $74.08 billion to support the creation of over 183,200 units and the repair of over 328,800 units. The strategy prioritizes those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence. The Housing and Infrastructure Project Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed, and progress on programs and initiatives is updated quarterly on the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) website.
Additional Information and Resources
For more information on affordable housing in Canada, visit canada.ca/housing. Build Canada Homes is ready to partner with organizations committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing across Canada. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) plays a critical role in promoting stability and sustainability in Canada’s housing finance system, and its research and data help inform housing policy. The Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025, helps speed up the construction of new homes and infrastructure by streamlining development processes and reducing costs. For more information on affordable housing in Ontario, visit ontario.ca/affordablehousing or follow the Ontario government on social media.
