What you can do
If you are a homeowner, developer, or non-profit organisation looking to build or renovate housing in Wrenford, the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) can help you get projects started faster. The federal government provides this funding to local governments to remove barriers and increase the supply of homes. In Wrenford, the money is used to support new construction, update zoning rules, and help non-profit groups build affordable rentals.
You can apply for a grant, request a zoning review, or book a planning consultation to see if your property is eligible for faster approvals.
How the program works
The HAF is a federal programme run by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Wrenford was awarded $12 million to spend over three years. The goal is to add 850 new housing units above our normal growth rate, with a strong focus on affordable and missing middle housing.
Wrenford's HAF Action Plan includes four main initiatives:
- Backyard Suite Incentive Program: Grants of up to $20,000 to homeowners who build a legal secondary suite on their property.
- Missing Middle Corridor Pilot: Updated zoning along Northgate Boulevard and Ambrel Lake Road to allow four-unit buildings by right, without a full rezoning process.
- Non-Profit Housing Partnership Fund: Low-interest loans and capital grants for registered charities to build or renovate affordable rental buildings.
- Pre-Development Feasibility Grant: Funding of up to $7,500 to cover engineering, environmental, and design studies for multi-unit projects.
All initiatives are managed by the Planning and Development department. You can start an application at the Service Wrenford counter in City Hall or through the Wrenford eGrants portal.
Fees and rules
There is no application fee for any HAF-related program. However, standard building permit and development charges still apply once construction begins. To qualify for the Backyard Suite Incentive Program, your property must be zoned for residential use and meet all fire safety and utility connection standards. The Pre-Development Feasibility Grant is reimbursed only if you secure a building permit and begin site work within twelve months.
Non-profit organisations must be registered under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act or the Ontario Corporations Act and provide a board resolution confirming the project's affordable housing mandate.
Who to contact
For help with applications, zoning questions, or to schedule a planning consultation, reach out to the HAF program team.
Program Lead: Elena Petrova, Senior Planner
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 519-555-0144
Office: Planning and Development, Room 310, Wrenford City Hall, 100 Mercer Street
For general housing strategy documents or to view the full contribution agreement with CMHC, visit our Housing page.