The Canadian government has taken another significant step toward addressing the nation’s housing crisis by adding 12 properties to the Canada Public Land Bank. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to create affordable housing on underused public lands, aiming to mitigate skyrocketing housing costs and improve accessibility for middle- and low-income Canadians.
The newly designated properties are located in nine provinces and two territories, including urban and rural areas such as Calgary, Laval, Ottawa, and Whitehorse. These sites will be repurposed for residential development, supporting the federal goal of unlocking 250,000 new homes by 2031. The government is prioritizing efficient use of land and emphasizing long-term affordability by leasing properties to developers who commit to maintaining reasonable housing prices.
Since its launch in August 2024, the Canada Public Land Bank has identified 83 properties suitable for housing. This aligns with the federal housing plan announced earlier this year, which targets building four million homes over the next decade. By utilizing surplus government-owned land, the program seeks to reduce construction costs and expedite housing availability.
The government has also introduced the Public Lands Acquisition Fund to purchase additional lands for housing development. Federal officials are working closely with provinces, municipalities, and Indigenous groups to address feedback and refine the initiative. Proposals for some properties have already been issued, and evaluation processes are underway.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland highlighted the importance of this plan, emphasizing its potential to make homeownership and renting more attainable for Canadians. With housing affordability at a critical juncture, the expansion of the Canada Public Land Bank underscores a nationwide effort to combat the crisis through innovative and collaborative approaches.
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