The federal government has announced that it is providing $25.6 million to fast-track more than 730 housing units in Abbotsford over the next three years and 2,300 homes over the next decade.
Vancouver South MP Harjit Sajjan was in Abbotsford on Monday (Feb. 12) to make the announcement on behalf of federal Housing Minister Sean Fraser.
The agreement between the federal government and the City of Abbotsford was made under the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF).
The HAF has asked for action plans from local governments and, once approved, provides upfront funding to ensure the timely building of new homes as well as additional funds upon delivering results.
Abbotsford’s action plan includes seven initiatives with a variety of housing forms and densities.
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The local funding will be used to develop a program to incentivize and legalize secondary suites, support initiatives that will streamline development application processes, promote affordable housing on city-owned lands, and change land designations to allow multi-unit housing along major transit corridors.
It will also amend zoning to permit as-of-right redevelopment of underused sites that will allow a minimum of four units per lot.
Mayor Ross Siemens said Abbotsford is a rapidly growing city, and “housing is an issue that’s top of mind for many of our residents.”
“As a city, we are committed to expanding and diversifying the housing opportunities available in Abbotsford by implementing innovative housing solutions,” he said.
“The Housing Accelerator Fund will help us in delivering more accessible housing options, and we are grateful to the government of Canada for this vital investment in our community.”
The HAF is expected to fast-track at least 100,000 permitted new homes across the country over the first three years and 550,000 over the next decade.
The program was launched in March 2023 and will run until 2026-27.
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