Milton is getting support from the federal government to build more homes in the community.
The Government of Canada announced that they reached an agreement to invest over $22 million to fast track more than 800 housing units in Milton over the next three years. This is expected to spur the construction of almost 4,700 homes over the next decade.
Milton Member of Parliament (MP) Adam van Koeverden made the announcment at Town Hall on Monday, January 22nd:
“By building more affordable homes more quickly, our government is unlocking new opportunities for growth in Milton. Working together, we can equip our communities with new tools to support them to reach their potential and turn possibilities into realities.”
The Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) is designed to eliminate barriers to building the housing the country needs. Milton’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. The funding will support the following impactful actions:
- developing affordable homes,
- permitting four units on same lot as-of-right town-wide to increase housing density,
- increasing housing density town-wide and close to major transit areas,
- increasing the supply of rental homes,
- enhancing the permit approval timelines, and
- delegating decision-making for minor zoning variances to town staff.
A number of local organizations were in attendance at the announcement, including Milton Transitional Housing and Habitat for Humanity.
The release says the 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 450,000 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.
Milton Mayor Gord Krantz was at the announcement and says he’s appreciative of the work done by MP van Koeverden and the federal government to get this funding finalized.
“The Town of Milton is thankful for the investment of over $21 million from Prime Minister Trudeau and Minister Fraser, as part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to expedite building homes in our community. As one of Ontario’s most rapidly expanding areas, Milton remains dedicated to cultivating a diverse housing landscape, and we are optimally positioned to contribute to achieving our provincial goal of adding 21,000 new housing units by 2031. The pursuit of this housing solution necessitates concerted efforts from various levels of government and the private sector. The Housing Accelerator Funding plays a pivotal role in supporting several crucial initiatives within Milton, fostering collaboration among all sectors, and ensuring the realization of our collective housing objectives.”
van Koeverden noted that Milton is the first town in the country to receive this kind of funding. Every other municipality in Canada to receive the HAF has been classified as a city, including Burlington.
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