Housing Accelerator Fund

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We've received funding through the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Government of Canada. Sylvan Lake will receive $5,485,430 to address housing affordability and challenges within our community. As this project evolves, we'll post details as we begin work on each part of the action plan.

Great! What does this mean?

By receiving the HAF Funding, the Town has committed to implementing the approved Action Plan that includes seven initiatives that will help build more homes faster in Sylvan Lake. The Action Plan’s initiatives include:

  • Providing financial incentives for targeted housing types
  • Streamlining application processes
  • Amending the Land Use Bylaw to increase opportunities for the development of secondary suites
  • Replacing direct control districts supporting diverse types of housing development in our downtown.

What is the Action Plan?

The Action Plan has seven proposed initiatives and a rough timeline:

  1. New permitting software: to support digital processes and streamlined application processes
  2. Direct Control Rezoning: Council approved replacing the Waterfront Direct Control District and DC-50 with standardized land use districts that provide applicants with clear regulations and greater approval certainty
  3. Apartment Incentive Program: intended to support the development of new apartment projects by refunding permit fees to developers making their projects more financially feasible. Applications are accepted from July 9, 2024 - January 10, 2027
  4. Amendments to the Land Use Bylaw: supporting more opportunities for secondary suite development
  5. Secondary Suite Loan Program: provide interest free loans to qualified applicants to construct secondary suites in new or existing dwellings
  6. Multi-Family Tax Grant Program: offers a municipal tax exemption grant for "missing middle" housing (attached housing types)
  7. Dollars for Doors Program: providing a grant accessible to non-profit housing providers and private sector developers for each affordable unit built

When?

Learn about the project

We've received funding through the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Government of Canada. Sylvan Lake will receive $5,485,430 to address housing affordability and challenges within our community. As this project evolves, we'll post details as we begin work on each part of the action plan.

Great! What does this mean?

By receiving the HAF Funding, the Town has committed to implementing the approved Action Plan that includes seven initiatives that will help build more homes faster in Sylvan Lake. The Action Plan’s initiatives include:

  • Providing financial incentives for targeted housing types
  • Streamlining application processes
  • Amending the Land Use Bylaw to increase opportunities for the development of secondary suites
  • Replacing direct control districts supporting diverse types of housing development in our downtown.

What is the Action Plan?

The Action Plan has seven proposed initiatives and a rough timeline:

  1. New permitting software: to support digital processes and streamlined application processes
  2. Direct Control Rezoning: Council approved replacing the Waterfront Direct Control District and DC-50 with standardized land use districts that provide applicants with clear regulations and greater approval certainty
  3. Apartment Incentive Program: intended to support the development of new apartment projects by refunding permit fees to developers making their projects more financially feasible. Applications are accepted from July 9, 2024 - January 10, 2027
  4. Amendments to the Land Use Bylaw: supporting more opportunities for secondary suite development
  5. Secondary Suite Loan Program: provide interest free loans to qualified applicants to construct secondary suites in new or existing dwellings
  6. Multi-Family Tax Grant Program: offers a municipal tax exemption grant for "missing middle" housing (attached housing types)
  7. Dollars for Doors Program: providing a grant accessible to non-profit housing providers and private sector developers for each affordable unit built

When?

Learn about the project

  • Town awarded new funding

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    The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is awarding the Town with an additional $540,000 to support housing challenges in Sylvan Lake. The funding comes from the CMHC Housing Accelerator funding. Council accepted the funds during a special Council meeting on March 18, 2025.

    Why did we get the extra funding?

    The extra funding is available thanks to the success of the Town's Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF):

    • The Town made strong progress in meeting the housing targets outlined in our initial HAF agreement
    • The Town is committed to approving more housing units through a new initiative under our Housing Accelerator Action Plan

    Progress Updates

    • We'll present a Housing Accelerator Action plan update to Council in April, including a detailed report on the Town's progress in the first year

    Learn More



  • Multi-Family Tax Grant Program

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    Multi-Family Tax Grant Program approved October 28, 2024

    What is the program?

    When is the program open?

    • Applications accepted as of Nov 1, 2024

    How to apply?

    • Complete the Multi-Family Tax Grant application form
    • Copy of approved building permit issued after November 1, 2024 (developments that have been issued building permits before November 1, 2024 are ineligible for the program)
    • Confirmation that property taxes are up to date
    • If application is approved the applicant will be required to enter into an agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the grant
    • For full details on program criteria and eligibility download the Multi-Family Tax Grant Policy



  • Direct Control Redistricting

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    Update March 14: Council approved the Direct Control Redistricting on Jan 27, 2025 (View page 43 - 93 of the Council Agenda for details). The redistricting replaced the direct control districts in the Waterfront area with more standardized land use districts. Please refer to the Town’s Land Use map to view the district information for a specific property.


    Update December 2024: Waterfront area redistricting Council approved 1st reading of Bylaw 1908/2024 for the Waterfront area redistricting on November 25, 2024 and a public hearing is scheduled for January 13, 2025. Fulfilling the recommendation in the IMAGINE SYLVAN Sustainable Waterfront Area Redevelopment Plan the direct control districts in the Waterfront area are being replaced with more standardized land use districts. This will help streamline the approval process for development in this area and support the HAF objective to build more homes faster. View the November 25 Council meeting report (page 83).


    As part of our Direct Control Redistricting initiative, the Town of Sylvan Lake is hosting an open house. The redistricting follows the recommendations in the IMAGINE SYLVAN Sustainable Waterfront Area Redevelopment Plan. The direct control district is being replaced with more standardized land use districts.

    Why?

    • To learn more about the new districts that will provide more clarity on how residents can expect the area to redevelop over time.

    • Learn about the redistricting process

    • Talk to our planners and ask questions or provide feedback on the districts

    Details

    • October 10, 2024

    • 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM

    • Nexsource Center, Multi-purpose room

    • 4823 49 Ave, Sylvan Lake, AB T4S 1M6

    Can’t join us in person?

  • Apartment Incentive Program and Application

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    What is the program?

    • The Apartment Incentive Program applies to new mid-rise apartment building development
    • The incentive is a grant that is equivalent to the building permit fees for the project

    When is the program open?

    • Applications are accepted from July 9, 2024 - January, 10 2027

    How to apply

    1. Apartment Incentive Program applications are accepted at the time of building permit application with an approved valid development permit
    2. Permit fees must be paid in full before an Apartment Incentive Program application is accepted as complete
    3. Confirmation that property taxes are up to date
    4. The applicant will be required to enter into an agreement outlining the terms of the grant once the building permit is approved
    5. Download program eligibility criteria
    6. Application form

    Questions?

    • Contact Trina Lamanes, 403 877 2141


  • Secondary Suite Development Open House

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    As part of our Secondary Suite Opportunities Initiative, the Town of Sylvan Lake is hosting an open house!

    Why?

    • Learn more about the proposed changes to the Land Use Bylaw that are recommended to support more opportunities for secondary suite development
    • Talk to our land use planners and ask questions or provide feedback on the changes
    • Learn about the Housing Accelerator Fund grant and what it means for Lakers

    When?

    • Wednesday May 29, 2024
    • 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM

    Where?

    • Seniors Centre at the NexSource Centre
    • 4823 49 Ave, Sylvan Lake, AB T4S 1M6

    Can't Join us in Person?

    • Register and submit your questions in our Ask and Answered section!

    Questions about something else?

  • Helping build more homes, faster in Sylvan Lake

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    The Town of Sylvan Lake is one of six Alberta communities receiving funding from the Government of Canada to address housing challenges.

    "I am thrilled that our community has been awarded this support from the Government of Canada through the Housing Accelerator Fund. This significant investment will revolutionize the landscape of housing in Sylvan Lake, not only for the duration of the program but for generations to come. With this incredible support, we can streamline application processes, offer incentives for the development of diverse housing products, and extend assistance to both non-profit and private sector developers in constructing new affordable units.

    At the heart of all of this is our unwavering belief that everyone deserves a place to call home. This grant will allow us to fulfill this fundamental right for more Sylvan Lakers in the years ahead. Together, we are building a future where secure housing is within reach for all members of our community." - Mayor Megan Hanson, Town of Sylvan Lake

    Visit the CMHC website for full details on this announcement.

Page last updated: 24 Mar 2025, 03:23 PM