Housing Accelerator Fund

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.