Helping build more homes, faster in Espanola
Espanola, ONTARIO - Today, the Government of Canada and the Town of Espanola announced that they reached an agreement to accelerate the construction of 64 homes over the next three years. This work will help spur the construction of 400 homes over the next decade. This agreement under the second round of the HAF, will provide over $2 million to eliminate barriers to building the housing we need, faster.
HAF requires action plans from local governments, unlocking funding to ensure the timely implementation of housing initiatives, with subsequent payments upon delivering results. Local governments are encouraged to think big and be bold in their approaches, which could include accelerating project timelines, allowing increased housing density, and encouraging affordable housing units.
Espanola’s Action Plan commits to five local initiatives such as supporting infill housing with zoning amendments to increase and diversify housing density, including multi-unit dwellings on all lands designated residential. This will be complimented by a review of policies associated with height restrictions and minimum lot sizes. A Climate Adaptability plan will support energy efficient housing and lower carbon service delivery. A land utilization strategy will increase the supply of land available for housing through enhanced processes including as of right zoning. The Town of Espanola will establish partnerships with local and regional providers focused on the expansion of public housing offerings. The Action Plan will also reduce approval timelines through process improvements and the implementation of e-permitting.
HAF funding is provided based on a formula that takes into account the number of housing units that are committed to. A portion of the $2 million grant will be put toward accomplishing the five initiatives above, while the majority of the grant will be put toward road, water and sewer infrastructure to provide servicing to vacant properties for development.
Further specifics on infrastructure projects that will be funded from this grant to support new housing development will be shared in the coming months.
For more information, please contact CAO/Clerk, Joseph Burke at [email protected] or by calling 705-869-1540.