THE Government of Canada and the City of Abbotsford on Monday announced that they reached an agreement to fast track over 730 housing units over the next three years. This work will help spur the construction of more than 2,300 homes over the next decade.

The agreement, under the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) will provide over $25.6 million to eliminate barriers to building the housing it needs, faster. Abbotsford’s Action Plan commits to seven local initiatives that enable a variety of housing forms and densities to meet the diverse needs of the community.

The funding will develop a program to incentivize and legalize secondary suites, support innovative initiatives that will streamline development application processes, promote affordable housing on city-owned lands, and increase density near transit and amenities by changing land designations to allow multi-unit housing along major transit corridors. It will also amend zoning to permit as-of-right redevelopment of underused sites that will allow a minimum of four units per lot.

Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens said: “Abbotsford is a rapidly growing city and housing is an issue that’s top of mind for many of our residents. As a City, we are committed to expanding and diversifying the housing opportunities available in Abbotsford by implementing innovative housing solutions. The Housing Accelerator Fund will help us in delivering more accessible housing options and we are grateful to the Government of Canada for this vital investment in our community.”