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Housing Accelerator Fund

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The Town of Digby has received funding from the Housing Accelerator Fund implemented by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)  for $760,952.50

This grant is to support local governments in making impactful changes that increase housing supply nationwide. 

In Spring 2023, the Government of Canada introduced the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) to support local governments in making impactful changes that increase housing supply nationwide. Through this initiative, the Town of Digby secured $760,952.50 to carry out its Housing Action Plan. The funding will help the Town to reach its target of 55 new housing units over the next three years.To achieve this target, the Town has created a comprehensive plan built around five key initiatives aimed at encouraging and expediting housing development.Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF)The Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) is a federal program run by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The funding is aimed to help accelerate the supply of housing across Canada by removing barriers and supporting development of affordable, inclusive, equitable and climate-resilient communities.

For more information on the Housing Accelerator Fund go to Housing Accelerator Fund | CMHC Click Here: CHMC Housing Accelerator Fund

The Town of Digby created 5 Initiatives that will help support the growth of housing stock in our community over the coming years. Below is details on each of the initatives.

Initiative 1 Review and amend residential zoning standards, Town of Digby. Full details here. 

Initiative 2 Review and amend residential parking standards, Town of Digby. Full details here.

Initiative 3 Develop and implement a Housing Grant Program, Town of Digby. Full details here.

Initative 4 Review and restructure Development Charges, Town of Digby. Full details here.

Initative 5 Review and improve the Development Approval process, Town of Digby. Full details here.

HAF Annual Report Summary as of February 2026 Found Here

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Monday March 2, 2026 the Town of Digby launches NEW Affordable Housing Grant Program to boost Missing-Middle Development 

The Town of Digby is offering financial incentives to encourage the development of affordable Missing-Middle housing between 2025–2027. The program is authorized under the Municipal Government Act and funded through the Government of Canada’s Housing Accelerator Fund.

What Qualifies?

Eligible projects include:

  • The construction of new Missing-middle housing including duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses, and low-rise apartments
  • Conversions of existing non-residential buildings to at least 2 affordable housing units
  • The construction of new secondary suites

Units must be affordable (housing costs under 30% of household pre-tax income, based on Nova Scotia’s median income)

Projects must:

  • Be located within Town limits
  • Comply with the Land Use Bylaw
  • Not be used as short-term rentals
  • Have no outstanding bylaw violations

Funding Details

  • Up to $7,500 per affordable unit in baseline funding
  • Is eligible to be combined with other government funding sources.
  • Funding can be used for up to 50% of construction expenses and on-site infrastructure (water, sewer, etc.)
  • First-come, first-served (subject to available funds)
  • Paid as a one-time lump sum after occupancy permit approval
  • Project must be completed within 2 years

Application Requirements

Submit:

  • Completed application form which can be found here 
  • Approved permits
  • Project plans, costs, and timeline
  • Licensed and insured contractor information

All approved applicants must sign a binding Program Agreement. 

Further details on the program can be obtained by contacting the Housing Initiative Coordinator Amanda Marshall at 902-245-4529 or email

For more information, please refer to Affordable Housing Grant Policy # 2026-02