Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Housing Accelerator Fund?
- Answer: The Housing Accelerator Fund is a federal government grant program that was created in response to the national housing crisis. It provides funding (i.e., not a loan) to dozens of communities across Canada to enable more residential development at a rapid pace. Launched in March 2023, the Housing Accelerator Fund is a $4.4billion initiative that will run until 2027-2028. The first round of funding totaled $4billion, and the 2024 Canadian federal budget) added an additional $400 million to this program.
What other municipalities have been approved for this funding?
- Answer: Please refer to the CMHC webpage. As shown, small and large municipalities alike have been approved. In Alberta, this includes Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, Airdrie, Banff, Leduc, Stony Plain, Westlock, Sylvan Lake, and others.
What does this mean for St. Albert?
- Answer: The City of St. Albert has entered into an agreement with the CMHC to receive an $11.8 million grant over three years to initiate plans that will help to fast-track housing and reduce development barriers – related to matters such as land use regulations, infrastructure upgrades, land supply, permitting software, and more. As a result, the grant is anticipated to add around 302 additional housing units over the next three years (i.e., over-and-above the typical ±1,250 units which would otherwise be expected in the absence of this grant program). This will be achieved by expediting seven key initiatives as part of the City’s Housing Action Plan, as detailed further on this website.”
Has St. Albert City Council already approved this?
- Answer: City Council has approved a project charter directing staff to start work on the Housing Accelerator Fund initiatives, and bring forward recommendations for Council to consider. Over the next three years, Council will make final decisions about any proposed changes to Land Use Bylaw regulations, infrastructure, and more. If some items aren’t approved by Council, the City may need to return a portion of the grant funding to the CMHC.
How can residents/businesses provide input?
- Answer: Once more details are known about the seven initiatives, the City of St. Albert will be launching various public engagement processes on proposed changes. These will be promoted via this webpage, the St. Albert Gazette newspaper, and our social media platforms – likely beginning in late 2025.”
Related Pages
Last edited: November 10, 2025