What is the Housing Accelerator Fund?
The Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) is a federal program administered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). It provides incentive funding to local governments to remove barriers to housing and build more homes faster. The goal is to create complete, low-carbon, and climate-resilient communities that are affordable and inclusive.
In Wrenford, the HAF supports the Wrenford Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan. This plan outlines how the city will use the federal money to grow our housing supply and support diverse housing options for residents and developers.
Wrenford's HAF Action Plan initiatives
The HAF money funds several city programs. You can apply for these initiatives if you are a homeowner, a developer, or a non-profit housing provider.
Backyard Suite Incentive Program
This program gives grants of up to $20,000 to help homeowners build legal secondary suites in their backyards. It helps you add a rental unit to your property and increases housing options in your neighbourhood.
Missing Middle Corridor Pilot
We are updating zoning along main arterials to allow four-unit buildings. If you own property along these corridors, you can apply for a zoning review to see if your site is eligible for new housing types under this pilot.
Non-Profit Housing Partnership Fund
This fund offers low-interest loans and capital grants to registered non-profit organizations. The money supports the construction and renovation of affordable rental housing across Wrenford.
Pre-Development Feasibility Grant
Developers and non-profits can apply for grants of up to $7,500. This money covers the early costs of a project, like engineering reports and environmental studies, so you can test if a housing project is viable.
How to apply
All applications go through the Planning and Development department. We review each submission to make sure it meets the program rules and federal targets.
Application deadlines
The Backyard Suite Incentive Program and the Pre-Development Feasibility Grant run on a rolling basis. We accept applications as long as the annual budget is not fully spent. The Non-Profit Housing Partnership Fund opens for applications on March 2, 2027, and closes on May 9, 2027.
Where to submit
You can submit your application online through the Wrenford ePermits portal. If you need a paper form, you can pick one up at Wrenford City Hall or download it from the Planning & Development page. Bring your completed form to the Planning and Development office at Room 310, 100 Mercer Street, Wrenford, ON N4Q 1A1.
Application fees and processing
There is a $0 application fee for these HAF programs. Please note that standard building permits and development charges still apply where required. The City aims to process complete applications within 45 business days. You will receive a written decision letter once the review is finished.
Need help?
If you have questions about eligibility or the application process, contact Housing Programs Coordinator Colin Ashby. You can reach him at [email protected] or call 519-555-0100. Drop-in office hours are held every Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at City Hall, Room 305.