The Town of Yarmouth has developed another measure to help create more affordable housing in the Town of Yarmouth. The Surplus Lands for Affordable Housing Policy was recently approved by council as part of its Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Action Plan.

This policy meets action plan “Initiative 1” to help build affordable housing by reducing or removing land acquisition costs for non-profit housing developers. The program uses funding to identify town-owned lots and make them ‘shovel-ready’ for building. Once identified and prioritized, the sites will be advertised for affordable housing development with a focus on multi-residential uses.

“Our Government is committed to giving local governments the support they need to drive housing supply and bring down housing costs. Yarmouth is part of more than 200 municipalities across Canada that are committed to cutting red tape and fast-tracking housing. It’s an example of what’s possible when governments work together. It’s also another step forward in our bold, ambitious plan to build Canada strong.” – The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

“This is another exciting move forward with our action plan to create more affordable housing in Yarmouth. This initiative will help increase the supply of housing, and support the building of affordable, inclusive, equitable and diverse communities - complete and walkable communities with access to amenities.”– Mayor Pam Mood.

For more information about the program, including properties currently available and how to apply, please visit: https://www.townofyarmouth.ca/surplus-land-for-affordable-housing-program.html

The policy is an initiative funded by the Government of Canada and its Housing Accelerator Fund.