On August 5, 2024, the City of Wrenford announced that you can soon expect faster housing approvals and more affordable options. The city has received $2.5 million from the Government of Canada through the Housing Accelerator Fund. This money will help the city build more homes and support local developers. The Planning & Development department will manage the grant and use it to speed up the approval process for new construction projects.
Mayor Danielle Okafor-Price says the funding is a big step forward for our community. "We know that finding a place to live is one of the biggest worries for families in Wrenford," she said. "This grant gives us the tools we need to build more homes and support local developers, which will help everyone in the long run."
You will see the changes start with a new building permit fee incentive programme. This programme will lower fees for projects that build purpose-built rental units, affordable housing, and other types of homes that are in high demand. The city will also use the funds to update digital tools on the Development Applications page, making it easier for builders and homeowners to track their projects and submit paperwork online.
In addition, the grant will support a new partnership with local housing providers to create more non-market housing options. The city will also review parking requirements in certain areas to make it easier to build smaller, more efficient homes. These changes will work alongside the existing Official Plan and Zoning By-law to encourage growth in the right places.
City Manager Robert Eng says the grant is a chance to cut through the usual paperwork. "By using better technology and streamlining our rules, we can help builders get started faster," he said. "This is about making sure Wrenford has the homes our community needs for the future."
If you want to learn more about the new incentive programme, visit the Planning & Development section of the city website or contact the planning team at [email protected]. You can also check the News & Events page for updates on when the programme officially launches and how to apply.