The federal government is rewarding eight New Brunswick municipalities with extra cash. Ottawa took this money from communities that refused to meet national housing program rules. Now $2.9 million from the Housing Accelerator Fund is heading to towns and cities that embraced the changes. According to a report by CBC News, these eight communities are among 32 nationwide receiving a funding boost.

The Big Winners in New Brunswick

Riverview takes the top spot. The town receives an extra $492,000 to buy land for affordable housing and plan neighborhood growth. Shanel Akerley is the economic development manager for Riverview. She says the initial $4.9 million funded eight initiatives. With the new money, the town will push forward with two more projects. Riverview added 444 new housing units in 2024 and expects another 441 in 2025. Akerley calls this “clear momentum driven by our Housing Accelerator Fund partnership” as well as local developers.

Other communities cashing in include Edmundston with $446,000 and Champdoré with $384,000. Hautes Terres gets $370,000. Bathurst receives $338,000. Grand Bouctouche takes home $320,000. Caraquet gets $300,000 and Moncton receives $255,000.

Why Some Communities Lost Their Funding

The federal program requires municipalities to change zoning rules to speed up construction. This includes allowing four unit apartment buildings in existing residential neighborhoods. Miramichi lost its $3.1 million funding because city council refused to adopt these zoning changes. Paul McGraw is the economic development officer for Miramichi. He told CBC that residents opposed having four unit buildings in single family areas. “Most people were opposed to having four units in a normally single family residential area because it was affecting our way of life,” McGraw said.

Tracadie also lost money. The federal government cut the town’s second annual payment in half. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation spokesperson David Harris noted a significant delay in the town’s action plan progress. Tracadie lost $309,439 but committed to improving in the second year.

Meeting the Housing Targets

To get the extra money, communities had to stay on track and exceed their housing forecasts. Harris confirmed that all eight winning municipalities met these goals. They must now add new housing initiatives to their agreements and meet all commitments by the end of the program. If your town wants federal housing money, local leaders must embrace density and update zoning laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Housing Accelerator Fund?

It is a federal program designed to speed up the construction of new homes. The program gives money to municipalities that remove zoning barriers and encourage housing density.

Why did Miramichi lose its federal housing money?

Miramichi lost $3.1 million because the city council refused to allow four unit apartment buildings in traditional single family neighborhoods.

Which New Brunswick community received the most extra funding?

Riverview received the largest top up. The town secured an extra $492,000 to buy land for affordable housing and plan for future growth.