Investment policy framework revealed for Build Canada Homes

Key Takeaways:

• Ottawa has released an Investment Policy Framework for Build Canada Homes to fast-track affordable, construction-ready housing projects that use modern building methods and strong regional partnerships.
• Developers benefit from streamlined approvals and flexible financing, but projects must be able to start within 12 months, meet local affordability targets, and prioritize modular or factory-built construction and Canadian materials.
• The announcement coincided with $128.6 million in federal funding for five new housing projects across Canada, supporting hundreds of new affordable units.

The Whole Story:

The Government of Canada unveiled an Investment Policy Framework for Build Canada Homes, the federal agency tasked with accelerating affordable housing supply across the country, marking a major shift in how Ottawa deploys public capital to housing projects.

The framework, released on National Housing Day (Nov. 24), sets out investment principles and eligibility criteria designed to fast-track construction-ready projects that prioritize affordability, modern building methods, and regional partnerships. Build Canada Homes, launched Sept. 14, 2025, will work with provinces, territories, municipalities, Indigenous communities, non-profits, and private developers to unlock stalled projects and reduce homelessness through transitional and supportive housing.

For builders and developers, the framework signals a streamlined approval process and access to flexible financing. Projects must demonstrate readiness to begin construction within 12 months, commit to affordability targets that meet local needs, and leverage modern construction methods such as modular and factory-built housing to cut costs and accelerate delivery. The agency will also prioritize projects using Canadian materials and bundled regional submissions for greater impact.

“Build Canada Homes is a cornerstone of our national plan to build more homes, restore affordability, and reduce homelessness,” said the Hon. Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure. “We’re removing barriers, streamlining approvals, and unlocking the tools communities need—land, infrastructure, and investment—to get homes built.”

Ana Bailão, Chief Executive Officer of Build Canada Homes, added: “The Investment Policy Framework reflects our commitment to investing wisely, partnering strategically, and delivering results. By combining innovative financing with modern construction methods, we’re accelerating delivery, unlocking stalled projects, and creating vibrant, inclusive communities across Canada.”

A Build Canada Homes portal for project submissions will launch in late November. On National Housing Day, the federal government also announced five projects totalling $128.6 million in funding: $76.3 million for the Hoy Creek Co-operative expansion (146 units) in Coquitlam, B.C.; $14.3 million for Shanghai Residence (54 units) in Winnipeg; over $32 million for St. Marks Apartments (90 units) in Richmond Hill, Ont.; $2.6 million for the Dorval project (20 units) in Trois-Rivières, Que.; and $3.4 million for Railside Home (10 units) in Souris, P.E.I.