Helping build more housing, faster in Riverview

RIVERVIEW (N.B.) – With federal funding and federal leadership, we are changing how cities let housing get built in their municipalities. With a greater focus on higher density housing, student housing, homes near transit and affordable housing, we are going to get more homes built for Canadians at prices they can afford.

Today, the Government of Canada and the Town of Riverview announced that they reached an agreement to fast track over 135 residential units in the next three years.

The agreement, under the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), will provide over $4.9 million to eliminate barriers to building the housing we need, faster. Riverview’s Action Plan commits to eight local initiatives that enable a variety of housing forms and densities to meet the diverse needs of the community. Planned initiatives include removing conditional approvals on townhouses, increasing maximum building heights in targeted areas, and the creation of incentive programs that encourage multi-family residences, higher density and more affordable housing options.  

HAF is helping cut red tape and fast track at least 100,000 permitted new homes over the first three years, which cities and regions estimate will lead to the creation of over 750,000 permitted new homes for people in towns, cities, and Indigenous communities across Canada over the next decade. It asks for innovative 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. Local governments are encouraged to think big and be bold in their approaches, which could include accelerating project timelines, allowing increased housing density, and encouraging affordable housing units.

The Government of Canada is making life more affordable for Canadians – and housing is key to our work. We will continue to work with provincial, territorial, and municipal governments, as well as Indigenous partners, to keep building more homes for Canadians, faster.

Quotes

“Today’s announcement will help fast track more than 130 homes in Riverview in the next three years and 465 over the next decade. We will continue working with municipalities, mayors, Indigenous partners, and all levels of government to get more homes built for Canadians at prices they can afford” – The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

Our municipalities are keenly aware of the housing crisis our country is currently experiencing, and they know the real needs of our communities. The Housing Accelerator Fund is an acknowledgement that the status quo is no longer sufficient. By working together, innovative initiatives led by the municipalities will remove barriers, incentivize density for underused lands, and streamline construction processes. In collaboration with these communities, our government is proud to help them grow and get more homes built for the people of the Riverview.” – The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister for Veteran Affairs and Member for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe

“Riverview is experiencing rapid growth and intentional development is needed to meet the rising demand for a variety of housing types. The Housing Accelerator Fund will help us fast-track the innovation and housing unit increase necessary for current residents to stay in town and for many future residents to call Riverview home.” – Andrew J. LeBlanc, Mayor of Riverview

Quick Facts:

• Today’s announcement was made by the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister for Veteran Affairs and Member for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, and Andrew LeBlanc, Mayor of Riverview.  
• Launched in March 2023, the Housing Accelerator Fund is a $4 billion initiative from the Government of Canada that will run until 2026-27. Budget 2024 proposes an addition al $4.4 million to this program. 
• The Housing Accelerator Fund is part of Canada’s National Housing Strategy, an $82+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly at www.placetocallhome.ca. The Housing Funding Initiatives Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed. 
• On April 12, 2024, the federal government released Solving the housing crisis: Canada’s Housing Plan, supported by new investments proposed in Budget 2024. 
• As of March 2024, the federal government has committed $50.97 billion to support the creation of over 146,000 units and the repair of over 286,000 units. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence.

Media Contacts:

Micaal Ahmed

Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca
 

Media Relations  

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation  

media@cmhc-schl.gc.ca 
 

Ashly Barron

Communications Manager, Town of Riverview

abarron@townofriverview.ca