Housing Accelerator Fund

Mahone Bay is growing: be part of the opportunity

Mahone Bay is proud to be a successful recipient of the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF2), a transformative $400 million initiative from the Government of Canada, delivered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The HAF is designed to remove barriers and encourage local action to build more homes, support affordable housing, and create diverse, climate-resilient communities across the country.

Through the second round of HAF funding, Mahone Bay is receiving over $400,000 to move forward with its Housing Action Plan, which includes five key initiatives:

  • using an online permit system to increase efficiency
  • determining viability of town land for housing
  • reviewing fees
  • developing an affordable housing plan
  • creating funding programs

As part of the funding agreement, the Town has the goal of permitting 36 new housing units by April 2029.

With increasing demand for housing driven by regional growth, the twinning of Highway 103, and the town’s appeal to both families and retirees, Mahone Bay is ready to grow and we’re inviting developers, builders, investors, and landowners to be part of this momentum.

Mahone Bay is growing: be part of the opportunity

Mahone Bay is proud to be a successful recipient of the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF2), a transformative $400 million initiative from the Government of Canada, delivered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The HAF is designed to remove barriers and encourage local action to build more homes, support affordable housing, and create diverse, climate-resilient communities across the country.

Through the second round of HAF funding, Mahone Bay is receiving over $400,000 to move forward with its Housing Action Plan, which includes five key initiatives:

  • using an online permit system to increase efficiency
  • determining viability of town land for housing
  • reviewing fees
  • developing an affordable housing plan
  • creating funding programs

As part of the funding agreement, the Town has the goal of permitting 36 new housing units by April 2029.

With increasing demand for housing driven by regional growth, the twinning of Highway 103, and the town’s appeal to both families and retirees, Mahone Bay is ready to grow and we’re inviting developers, builders, investors, and landowners to be part of this momentum.

  • Housing Progress Through Research, Community & Partnership

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    The Town of Mahone Bay is proud to share continued progress on its Housing Initiative, marking important milestones and strong community involvement in shaping the future of housing.

    At the corner of Hawthorn and Kinburn, the Town has partnered with the Mahone Bay Community Land Cooperative (MBCLC) to move forward with plans for new housing. Utilizing Housing Accelerator Funding, GEMTEC will complete soil testing to ensure the site is suitable for development. This work supports the Cooperative’s goal of increasing non-market and co-operative housing options in our community.

    New insights from the Lunenburg County Housing Market Study, prepared by Turner Drake & Partners and funded by the municipalities in the County including the Town, highlight both challenges and opportunities. The study found that Mahone Bay currently has a 0% rental vacancy rate, reinforcing the urgent need for more housing. It also showed that most of the county lacks purpose-built rental buildings, meaning many residents rely on limited secondary housing options.

    In response, the Town is actively developing a Gentle Density Housing Program. This program will support “missing-middle” housing, including duplexes, townhouses, and secondary suites. These housing types are designed to fit within existing neighbourhoods while increasing housing availability in a way that respects the town’s character.

    To further encourage development, the Town has waived building and development permit fees for affordable housing projects until 2029, making it easier and more affordable to build new homes.

    Community voices are playing a key role in this work. Through a recent survey launched on the Town’s civic engagement platform, Get On Board Mahone Bay, residents and stakeholders were invited to help shape a new Pre-Development Grant Program. This program is part of the Town’s commitment under the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Housing Accelerator Fund.

    The survey welcomed input from homeowners, property owners, developers, non-profits, and community groups. A total of 34 complete responses were received, with most participants being local homeowners or landowners interested in future development opportunities.

    Feedback showed strong support for:

    • Accessory dwellings, such as granny or garden suites
    • Missing-middle housing like duplexes, fourplexes, and townhouses
    • Affordable, purpose-built long-term rental units
    • Tiny and modular homes

    Notably, nearly 50% of respondents said they have considered building small-scale or accessory housing on their own property, showing growing interest in being part of the solution.

    These results will directly help shape the design of the Town’s grant program and guide future housing initiatives.

    The Town of Mahone Bay remains committed to working collaboratively with residents, partners, and organizations to create more housing options and support a healthy, growing community.

    The Town of Mahone Bay is proud to share continued progress on its Housing Initiative, marking important milestones and strong community involvement in shaping the future of housing.

    At the corner of Hawthorn and Kinburn, the Town has partnered with the Mahone Bay Community Land Cooperative (MBCLC) to move forward with plans for new housing. Utilizing Housing Accelerator Funding, GEMTEC will complete soil testing to ensure the site is suitable for development. This work supports the Cooperative’s goal of increasing non-market and co-operative housing options in our community.

    New insights from the Lunenburg County Housing Market Study, prepared by Turner Drake & Partners and funded by the municipalities in the County including the Town, highlight both challenges and opportunities. The study found that Mahone Bay currently has a 0% rental vacancy rate, reinforcing the urgent need for more housing. It also showed that most of the county lacks purpose-built rental buildings, meaning many residents rely on limited secondary housing options.

    In response, the Town is actively developing a Gentle Density Housing Program. This program will support “missing-middle” housing, including duplexes, townhouses, and secondary suites. These housing types are designed to fit within existing neighbourhoods while increasing housing availability in a way that respects the town’s character.

    To further encourage development, the Town has waived building and development permit fees for affordable housing projects until 2029, making it easier and more affordable to build new homes.

    Community voices are playing a key role in this work. Through a recent survey launched on the Town’s civic engagement platform, Get On Board Mahone Bay, residents and stakeholders were invited to help shape a new Pre-Development Grant Program. This program is part of the Town’s commitment under the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Housing Accelerator Fund.

    The survey welcomed input from homeowners, property owners, developers, non-profits, and community groups. A total of 34 complete responses were received, with most participants being local homeowners or landowners interested in future development opportunities.

    Feedback showed strong support for:

    • Accessory dwellings, such as granny or garden suites
    • Missing-middle housing like duplexes, fourplexes, and townhouses
    • Affordable, purpose-built long-term rental units
    • Tiny and modular homes

    Notably, nearly 50% of respondents said they have considered building small-scale or accessory housing on their own property, showing growing interest in being part of the solution.

    These results will directly help shape the design of the Town’s grant program and guide future housing initiatives.

    The Town of Mahone Bay remains committed to working collaboratively with residents, partners, and organizations to create more housing options and support a healthy, growing community.

  • Mahone Bay Making Good Progress on Housing Initiative

    Mahone Bay is proud to be a successful recipient of the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF2), a transformative $400 million initiative from the Government of Canada, delivered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The HAF is designed to remove barriers and encourage local action to build more homes, support affordable housing, and create diverse, climate-resilient communities across the country.

    Through the second round of HAF funding, Mahone Bay is receiving over $400,000 to move forward with its Housing Action Plan, which includes five key initiatives:

    1. using an online permit system to increase efficiency
    2. determining viability of town land for housing
    3. reviewing fees
    4. developing an affordable housing plan
    5. creating funding programs


    As part of this agreement, the Town aims to permit 36 new housing units by April 2029.

    Town staff highlighted several important achievements supported by HAF funding, including:

    • Council’s new Fees Policy, which waives all building, planning, and development fees for affordable housing projects in Town.
    • Soil and groundwater studies on Town-owned lands at Kinburn Street and Hawthorn Road, paving the way for potential co-operative non-profit rental housing.
    • Infrastructure improvements, such as the Raw Water Transmission Main Replacement and Municipal Servicing proposal, which directly support housing growth.

    To date, Mahone Bay has permitted approximately 20% of its overall housing growth target in the first six months of a four-year commitment.

    The Town has launched a new online engagement platform, Get On Board Mahone Bay (www.getonboardmahonebay.ca), inviting stakeholders, community members, and potential new residents to join the conversation on priority projects, including housing.

    “The concrete actions taken by Mahone Bay show what’s possible when all levels of government work together toward a common goal,” says Jessica Fancy, Member of Parliament for South Shore—St. Margaret's. “This project is another important step forward in our bold and ambitious plan to build a stronger Canada.”

    “As we look ahead, we know that housing happens when the right people come together,” says Mayor Suzanne Lohnes-Croft. “The Town is opening up more ways to connect, and we’d love to talk with you about how we can work together to bring more homes to our community and make the most of your property. Whether you’re just starting to think about possibilities or ready to take the next step, our team is here to listen, answer questions, and help you explore what’s possible.”

    With growing demand for housing driven by regional growth; the twinning of Highway 103; and Mahone Bay’s appeal to families and retirees, the Town is ready to grow. Mahone Bay welcomes developers, builders, investors, and landowners to be part of this exciting momentum.








    Mahone Bay is proud to be a successful recipient of the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF2), a transformative $400 million initiative from the Government of Canada, delivered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The HAF is designed to remove barriers and encourage local action to build more homes, support affordable housing, and create diverse, climate-resilient communities across the country.

    Through the second round of HAF funding, Mahone Bay is receiving over $400,000 to move forward with its Housing Action Plan, which includes five key initiatives:

    1. using an online permit system to increase efficiency
    2. determining viability of town land for housing
    3. reviewing fees
    4. developing an affordable housing plan
    5. creating funding programs


    As part of this agreement, the Town aims to permit 36 new housing units by April 2029.

    Town staff highlighted several important achievements supported by HAF funding, including:

    • Council’s new Fees Policy, which waives all building, planning, and development fees for affordable housing projects in Town.
    • Soil and groundwater studies on Town-owned lands at Kinburn Street and Hawthorn Road, paving the way for potential co-operative non-profit rental housing.
    • Infrastructure improvements, such as the Raw Water Transmission Main Replacement and Municipal Servicing proposal, which directly support housing growth.

    To date, Mahone Bay has permitted approximately 20% of its overall housing growth target in the first six months of a four-year commitment.

    The Town has launched a new online engagement platform, Get On Board Mahone Bay (www.getonboardmahonebay.ca), inviting stakeholders, community members, and potential new residents to join the conversation on priority projects, including housing.

    “The concrete actions taken by Mahone Bay show what’s possible when all levels of government work together toward a common goal,” says Jessica Fancy, Member of Parliament for South Shore—St. Margaret's. “This project is another important step forward in our bold and ambitious plan to build a stronger Canada.”

    “As we look ahead, we know that housing happens when the right people come together,” says Mayor Suzanne Lohnes-Croft. “The Town is opening up more ways to connect, and we’d love to talk with you about how we can work together to bring more homes to our community and make the most of your property. Whether you’re just starting to think about possibilities or ready to take the next step, our team is here to listen, answer questions, and help you explore what’s possible.”

    With growing demand for housing driven by regional growth; the twinning of Highway 103; and Mahone Bay’s appeal to families and retirees, the Town is ready to grow. Mahone Bay welcomes developers, builders, investors, and landowners to be part of this exciting momentum.








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Page last updated: 02 Apr 2026, 05:27 PM