Housing Accelerator Fund

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In January 2024, the City of St. Catharines secured an investment of $25.7 million dollars to boost the housing supply in the city. The funding is through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), a $4 billion dollar initiative that offers financial support to local governments for expediting the development of new homes.

The action plan for HAF commits to seven initiatives, fostering a range of housing types and densities to cater to the diverse needs of the community.

The HAF initiatives are projected to result in more than 2,300 housing units over a three-year period. The seven initiatives will transform housing approvals and unlock thousands of potential units over the next 10 years.

September 2025: Downtown Forgivable Loan Program now available

On August 11, 2025, a City-wide amendment to the 2020 Community Improvement Plan (2020CIP) was passed by St. Catharines City Council. This added the Downtown Forgivable Loan Program (DFLP) to the 20202CIP.

The DFLP provides a one-time, interest-free loan of up to $100,00 per property to building owners who convert vacant upper-floor, rear, or basement spaces into new residential units in existing mixed-use buildings within the Downtown Priority Neighbourhood. This forgivable loan is intended to facilitate new residential units to provide more housing options for the community as well as address vacant units in the downtown. The DFLP offers an additional loan amount up to $50,000 for projects that construct at least one new barrier-free dwelling unit. The intent of this loan top-up is to support housing that caters to a range of community needs, as well as the ability for residents to age in place.

Further information and the application can be found on the St Catharines CIP Website

January 2025 - Affordable Housing Parking Exemption

On January 13, 2025, a City-wide zoning by-law amendment (File no. 24 115258 ZA) was passed by Council. This zoning by-law amendment exempts affordable residential units from the City’s parking requirements. A residential dwelling unit is considered affordable in accordance with the definition established in the Development Charges Act, 1997, as amended. This zoning by-law amendment aligns with HAF Initiative 3 – Inclusive Housing, which aims to foster a housing environment that prioritizes inclusion and adaptability by encouraging construction and reduce development costs for affordable, accessible and purpose-built rental developments.

For more information, please visit the project website: www.stcatharines.ca/AffordableHousingParkingExemption

March to December 2024 - NEW Financial Incentives

Affordable Housing Fee Reimbursement Policy

On February 12, 2024, Council passed the Affordable Housing Fee Reimbursement Policy. This Policy facilitates waiving planning application and/or building permit fees for new non-ownership affordable housing units or beds throughout the city. This Policy is funded by the City's Affordable Housing Reserve and Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) and aligns with HAF Initiative 3 – Inclusive Housing, which aims to foster a housing environment that prioritizes inclusion and adaptability by encouraging construction and reduce development costs for affordable, accessible and purpose built rental developments.

A development or redevelopment project is eligible for a reimbursement up to $50,000 under this Policy if:

  • The proponent is an eligible housing provider as defined in the Policy.
  • The project provides a minimum of 11 new dwelling units.
  • A minimum of 30% of all new dwelling units meet the policy’s definition of affordable non-ownership housing.
  • Notwithstanding the above, where affordable non-ownership housing is not proposed in a dwelling unit format, the project must provide at least 11 new beds.

This Policy is in effect as of February 12, 2024. For more information, please see the February 12, 2024 staff report and policy here: St. Catharines - Document Center

Are you looking to apply for this policy? Please find the Applicant Guide uploaded as a Document on this website for full details.

Accessible Housing Fee Reimbursement Policy

On November 18, 2024, Council passed the Affordable Housing Fee Reimbursement Policy. This Policy facilitates waiving building permit fees for new accessible dwelling units throughout the city. This Policy is funded by the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) and aligns with HAF Initiative 3 – Inclusive Housing, which aims to foster a housing environment that prioritizes inclusion and adaptability by encouraging construction and reduce development costs for affordable, accessible and purpose built rental developments.

This Policy applies to new accessible dwelling units that are:

  • Any dwelling type (e.g., detached, semi-detached or townhouse dwelling, accessory dwelling unit, triplex, fourplex, or apartment dwelling unit)
  • Rental or owner-occupied
  • Meet the City’s Zoning By-law definition of a dwelling unit and meet Division B, Section 3.8 of the Ontario Building Code, including the requirement that there be an accessible path to units
  • Units provided beyond minimum requirements set out in the Ontario Building Code (e.g., the required 15% accessible units within apartment buildings are not eligible for reimbursement under this Policy)

This Policy is in effect as of November 18, 2024 until December 31, 2025. Depending on HAF funding availability, this Policy may be extended to 2026 and 2027.

For more information, please see the November 18, 2024 staff report and policy here: St. Catharines - Document Center

Are you looking to apply for this policy? Please find the Applicant Guide uploaded as a Document on this website for full details.


Development Charge Rental Housing Discount Grant Program

On November 18, 2024, Council passed the Development Charge Rental Housing Discount Grant Program. This HAF-funded financial incentive will provide additional development charge discounts for purpose-built rental dwelling units. Due to recent amendments to the Development Charges Act (DC Act), development charge discounts are currently applied to purpose-built rental units dependent on unit size as outlined below:

  • 15% discount for one-bedroom units (or smaller)
  • 20% discount for two-bedroom units
  • 25% discount for three-bedroom units plus

In an effort to increase the development of purpose-built rental units in the city and implement Initiative 4 – Missing Middle Housing in the HAF action plan, staff are recommending an increase to the legislated development charge rental discounts. The increase in discount would be funded through the Housing Accelerator Fund. The proposed Grant would increase development charge rental discounts as outlined below:

  • 50% total discount for 1 bedroom units (or smaller) (15% DC Act discount plus 35% HAF-funded top-up)
  • 50% total discount for 2 bedroom units (20% DC Act discount plus 30% HAF-funded top-up)
  • 35% total discount for 3 bedroom units + (25% DC Act discount plus 10% HAF-funded top-up)

The proposed development charge discounts apply only to municipal development charges and do not apply to any development charges from the Region of Niagara or the school board.

For more information, please see the November 18, 2024 staff report and policy here: St. Catharines - Document Center

Are you looking to apply for this policy? Please find the Applicant Guide uploaded as a Document on this website for full details.


October 2024 - Pre-Approved Detached ADU Designs and 1-Day Permit Review

Following a Request for Proposals in Fall 2024, the City of St. Catharines is pleased to present pre-approved detached ADU designs that are available for community use. If you are looking to construct a detached ADU on your property and wish to use one of the pre-approved designs, please find the selected designs on the program website: Pre-Approved Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Designs - St. Catharines

By using a pre-approved design, you can book an appointment with staff for a 1-day building permit review.

August 2024 - Accessory Dwelling Unit Grant

On August 26, 2024, the proposed increase to the Community Improvement Plan grant amount for the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Program was approved by City Council. The amendment increased the value of the ADU grant to a maximum of $40,000 for the construction of interior ADUs, and to a maximum of $80,000 for the construction of exterior ADUs, subject to available funding through the Housing Accelerator Fund. The amendment also revises the application requirement for a complete ADU application to be made within 90 days of Building Permit issuance and permits property owners to submit more than one ADU application per property.

The Notice of Decision was issued in accordance with Section 28 of the Planning Act on Aug. 29, 2024.

For program requirements, information, or to make an application, visit: stcatharines.ca/CIP

Comments and Questions

Please email HAF@stcatharines.ca directly with any comments or questions about this project.

In January 2024, the City of St. Catharines secured an investment of $25.7 million dollars to boost the housing supply in the city. The funding is through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), a $4 billion dollar initiative that offers financial support to local governments for expediting the development of new homes.

The action plan for HAF commits to seven initiatives, fostering a range of housing types and densities to cater to the diverse needs of the community.

The HAF initiatives are projected to result in more than 2,300 housing units over a three-year period. The seven initiatives will transform housing approvals and unlock thousands of potential units over the next 10 years.

September 2025: Downtown Forgivable Loan Program now available

On August 11, 2025, a City-wide amendment to the 2020 Community Improvement Plan (2020CIP) was passed by St. Catharines City Council. This added the Downtown Forgivable Loan Program (DFLP) to the 20202CIP.

The DFLP provides a one-time, interest-free loan of up to $100,00 per property to building owners who convert vacant upper-floor, rear, or basement spaces into new residential units in existing mixed-use buildings within the Downtown Priority Neighbourhood. This forgivable loan is intended to facilitate new residential units to provide more housing options for the community as well as address vacant units in the downtown. The DFLP offers an additional loan amount up to $50,000 for projects that construct at least one new barrier-free dwelling unit. The intent of this loan top-up is to support housing that caters to a range of community needs, as well as the ability for residents to age in place.

Further information and the application can be found on the St Catharines CIP Website

January 2025 - Affordable Housing Parking Exemption

On January 13, 2025, a City-wide zoning by-law amendment (File no. 24 115258 ZA) was passed by Council. This zoning by-law amendment exempts affordable residential units from the City’s parking requirements. A residential dwelling unit is considered affordable in accordance with the definition established in the Development Charges Act, 1997, as amended. This zoning by-law amendment aligns with HAF Initiative 3 – Inclusive Housing, which aims to foster a housing environment that prioritizes inclusion and adaptability by encouraging construction and reduce development costs for affordable, accessible and purpose-built rental developments.

For more information, please visit the project website: www.stcatharines.ca/AffordableHousingParkingExemption

March to December 2024 - NEW Financial Incentives

Affordable Housing Fee Reimbursement Policy

On February 12, 2024, Council passed the Affordable Housing Fee Reimbursement Policy. This Policy facilitates waiving planning application and/or building permit fees for new non-ownership affordable housing units or beds throughout the city. This Policy is funded by the City's Affordable Housing Reserve and Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) and aligns with HAF Initiative 3 – Inclusive Housing, which aims to foster a housing environment that prioritizes inclusion and adaptability by encouraging construction and reduce development costs for affordable, accessible and purpose built rental developments.

A development or redevelopment project is eligible for a reimbursement up to $50,000 under this Policy if:

  • The proponent is an eligible housing provider as defined in the Policy.
  • The project provides a minimum of 11 new dwelling units.
  • A minimum of 30% of all new dwelling units meet the policy’s definition of affordable non-ownership housing.
  • Notwithstanding the above, where affordable non-ownership housing is not proposed in a dwelling unit format, the project must provide at least 11 new beds.

This Policy is in effect as of February 12, 2024. For more information, please see the February 12, 2024 staff report and policy here: St. Catharines - Document Center

Are you looking to apply for this policy? Please find the Applicant Guide uploaded as a Document on this website for full details.

Accessible Housing Fee Reimbursement Policy

On November 18, 2024, Council passed the Affordable Housing Fee Reimbursement Policy. This Policy facilitates waiving building permit fees for new accessible dwelling units throughout the city. This Policy is funded by the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) and aligns with HAF Initiative 3 – Inclusive Housing, which aims to foster a housing environment that prioritizes inclusion and adaptability by encouraging construction and reduce development costs for affordable, accessible and purpose built rental developments.

This Policy applies to new accessible dwelling units that are:

  • Any dwelling type (e.g., detached, semi-detached or townhouse dwelling, accessory dwelling unit, triplex, fourplex, or apartment dwelling unit)
  • Rental or owner-occupied
  • Meet the City’s Zoning By-law definition of a dwelling unit and meet Division B, Section 3.8 of the Ontario Building Code, including the requirement that there be an accessible path to units
  • Units provided beyond minimum requirements set out in the Ontario Building Code (e.g., the required 15% accessible units within apartment buildings are not eligible for reimbursement under this Policy)

This Policy is in effect as of November 18, 2024 until December 31, 2025. Depending on HAF funding availability, this Policy may be extended to 2026 and 2027.

For more information, please see the November 18, 2024 staff report and policy here: St. Catharines - Document Center

Are you looking to apply for this policy? Please find the Applicant Guide uploaded as a Document on this website for full details.


Development Charge Rental Housing Discount Grant Program

On November 18, 2024, Council passed the Development Charge Rental Housing Discount Grant Program. This HAF-funded financial incentive will provide additional development charge discounts for purpose-built rental dwelling units. Due to recent amendments to the Development Charges Act (DC Act), development charge discounts are currently applied to purpose-built rental units dependent on unit size as outlined below:

  • 15% discount for one-bedroom units (or smaller)
  • 20% discount for two-bedroom units
  • 25% discount for three-bedroom units plus

In an effort to increase the development of purpose-built rental units in the city and implement Initiative 4 – Missing Middle Housing in the HAF action plan, staff are recommending an increase to the legislated development charge rental discounts. The increase in discount would be funded through the Housing Accelerator Fund. The proposed Grant would increase development charge rental discounts as outlined below:

  • 50% total discount for 1 bedroom units (or smaller) (15% DC Act discount plus 35% HAF-funded top-up)
  • 50% total discount for 2 bedroom units (20% DC Act discount plus 30% HAF-funded top-up)
  • 35% total discount for 3 bedroom units + (25% DC Act discount plus 10% HAF-funded top-up)

The proposed development charge discounts apply only to municipal development charges and do not apply to any development charges from the Region of Niagara or the school board.

For more information, please see the November 18, 2024 staff report and policy here: St. Catharines - Document Center

Are you looking to apply for this policy? Please find the Applicant Guide uploaded as a Document on this website for full details.


October 2024 - Pre-Approved Detached ADU Designs and 1-Day Permit Review

Following a Request for Proposals in Fall 2024, the City of St. Catharines is pleased to present pre-approved detached ADU designs that are available for community use. If you are looking to construct a detached ADU on your property and wish to use one of the pre-approved designs, please find the selected designs on the program website: Pre-Approved Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Designs - St. Catharines

By using a pre-approved design, you can book an appointment with staff for a 1-day building permit review.

August 2024 - Accessory Dwelling Unit Grant

On August 26, 2024, the proposed increase to the Community Improvement Plan grant amount for the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Program was approved by City Council. The amendment increased the value of the ADU grant to a maximum of $40,000 for the construction of interior ADUs, and to a maximum of $80,000 for the construction of exterior ADUs, subject to available funding through the Housing Accelerator Fund. The amendment also revises the application requirement for a complete ADU application to be made within 90 days of Building Permit issuance and permits property owners to submit more than one ADU application per property.

The Notice of Decision was issued in accordance with Section 28 of the Planning Act on Aug. 29, 2024.

For program requirements, information, or to make an application, visit: stcatharines.ca/CIP

Comments and Questions

Please email HAF@stcatharines.ca directly with any comments or questions about this project.

Page last updated: 01 Dec 2025, 08:07 AM