By Canadian Press

Federal program to rapidly build homes goes past target, again

Jan 21, 2022 | 8:47 AM

OTTAWA — A federal program aimed at quickly creating new affordable housing units has once again surpassed its goal.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the rapid-housing program has now created more than 10,000 units over two rounds of funding.

In its first round, the Liberals put $1 billion into the program, which helps cities and housing providers buy vacant apartments or hotels and turn them into affordable units, or build modular units.

That round of funding created some 4,700 units, jumping past expectations but leaving hundreds of applicants left in the cold when the program ran out of money.

The Liberals revamped the program in last year’s budget and added $1.5 billion in funding, which now appears to have created about 5,500 units.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

10h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

The government says most of the new units are expected to be constructed within 12 to 18 months of an agreement being signed with funding recipients. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 21, 2022.

The Canadian Press