Source: City of Saint John

The City of Saint John officially opens applications for the 2026 Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Grant Program on January 22. This program aims to increase the local housing supply by supporting diverse and attainable housing options. The city designed these grants to target fully serviced areas and reduce the financial barriers that often slow down new developments.

Three Targeted Funding Streams

The program delivers funding through three specific streams. Each aligns with municipal priorities and national objectives to accelerate housing construction.

1. Construction Challenges Grant

Saint John’s unique terrain often presents costly hurdles for developers. This stream covers up to 50% of eligible costs for projects facing specific site challenges. This includes expenditures like rock removal, fill importation, pile driving, or contaminated soil remediation.

• Funding Cap: $10,000 per unit (up to 15 units).
• Requirement: Projects must include at least $200,000 in construction-related expenditures.

2. Missing Middle Housing Grant

This stream incentivizes the creation of small-lot homes, townhouses, and small multiplexes. It targets the gap between single-family homes and large apartment complexes.

• Funding: Up to $5,000 per eligible unit.
• Project Cap: $150,000 total funding per project.
• Requirement: Projects must contain a minimum of 4 units, with an exception for single Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on existing properties.

City officials encourage applicants to discuss how this grant fits their project, noting that new efforts to adapt the grant for the CMHC Design Catalogue are underway.

3. Revitalizing Rental Stock Grant

This stream focuses on improving and retaining existing rental units at enhanced affordability levels. It supports landlords and non-profits in upgrading aging housing stock.

• Funding: $10,000 per unit plus full reimbursement of building permit fees.
• Application Cap: $50,000.
• Requirement: Projects must involve at least $200,000 in eligible expenditures. Projects supported by Housing NB’s RRAP program or non-profit redevelopment of vacant buildings may also qualify.

How to Apply

The application window opens January 22, 2026, and closes on April 15, 2026. The Grant Committee evaluates all applications based on the objectives and scorecard outlined in the HAF Grant Program Policy.

You can apply through the following methods:

• Email: Request forms via haf@saintjohn.ca.
• In-Person: Pick up paper copies at the One Stop Development Shop, located at 15 Market Square.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the deadline to apply for the 2026 HAF grants?

You must submit your application by April 15, 2026. The application window opens on January 22, 2026.

Does a single Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) qualify for the Missing Middle Grant?

Yes. While the Missing Middle stream generally requires a minimum of four units, a single ADU placed on an existing property makes an exception to this rule.

What types of costs does the Construction Challenges Grant cover?

This grant helps cover site-specific barriers such as rock removal, pile driving, importing fill, and remediating contaminated soil. To qualify, your project must have at least $200,000 in construction-related expenditures.