Canada Invests $85.5 Million in Sustainable Affordable Housing

Strategic Insights -

Canada is taking action to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings. The country's third-largest source of emissions, buildings will be transformed into clean, affordable, and energy-efficient spaces. The Government of Canada, together with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), is investing $85.5 million in the Sustainable Affordable Housing (SAH) stream of the Green Municipal Fund (GMF). This significant investment will support 21 capital and pilot projects, as well as planning and feasibility studies, to develop innovative housing solutions that are affordable, energy-efficient, and climate-resilient.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Government of Canada is investing $85.5 million in the Sustainable Affordable Housing (SAH) stream of the Green Municipal Fund (GMF).
  • The investment will support 21 capital and pilot projects, as well as planning and feasibility studies, to develop innovative housing solutions.
  • The projects will focus on creating energy-efficient, climate-resilient, and affordable buildings that benefit communities, the economy, and the environment.
  • One of the capital projects is a deep energy retrofit of 59 townhouse units at the Sundance Housing Co-operative in Edmonton, Alberta.
  • The Sundance project has reduced total building energy use by up to 94 percent, and it is the first panelized retrofit of its kind for a Canadian co-operative housing provider.
  • The project is based on the successful Dutch Energiesprong approach, which allows residents to remain in their homes during construction.
  • The investment is part of Canada's efforts to build a clean, affordable future and address climate change.
  • The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) President Rebecca Bligh is supporting the initiative, and the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, and the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, is leading the effort.

Statistics:

  • Total investment: $85.5 million
  • Amount for 21 capital and pilot projects: approximately $67.9 million
  • Amount for planning and feasibility studies: $17.6 million
  • Greenhouse gas emissions reduction: up to 94 percent
  • Timeframe: The investment will support projects that will be completed in the coming years.

Sources:

  • Government of Canada News (2) - "Canada Invests in Sustainable Affordable Housing"
  • Sustainable Affordable Housing (SAH) stream of the Green Municipal Fund (GMF)
  • Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)