Hay River has just received a boost to their housing economy.
The Hay River Town Council recently announced that the community has been given a grant from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation for their Housing Acceleration Program. The grant is worth $2 million, and are being put towards a 3-year term with a goal of building 30 new houses over that time.
This program has several strategies that they will be employing to achieve their goal, including:
- Create a development system that supports Additional Dwelling Units,
- Incentivize the development of underused/idle lands, with an emphasis on the development of multi-unit residential,
- Amend bylaws and policies to support development of residential units in the downtown core, with emphasis on multi-unit development,
- Incorporate update floodplain mapping,
- Amend zoning bylaw and policies to promote the development of transitional housing units for vulnerable populations,
- Reduce the carbon footprint of new unit construction, with a preference for multi-unit development,
- Development of a disincentive program to ensure that no vacant units or underdeveloped/idle lands remain within the municipal boundaries,
- Streamline the development process by delegating authorities to staff and exploring technology to support the process,
- Develop an incentive program to encourage infill and increased density in existing residential areas.
In a statement, Hay River Mayor Kandis Jameson shared that the Town Council was happy to receive this support, and are excited to continue their efforts to increase the number of safe, diverse, and affordable housing in Hay River.
“This is an important next step to advance key housing initiatives identified in our Community Strategic Housing Plan.”
