What is Build Canada Homes?
A new federal housing agency created with $13 billion in start-up funding.
Mandated to deliver affordable housing at scale, focusing on non-market homes, supportive housing, and middle-class options.
Led by Ana Bailão, former Toronto Deputy Mayor with extensive housing policy experience.
How Will Build Canada Homes Work?
The strategy is built on three key pillars:
Unlocking Public Lands
Federal land will be made available for housing development.
This reduces land costs, one of the biggest barriers to affordability.
Modern Construction Methods
Factory-built, modular, and mass timber housing will be prioritized.
These approaches cut construction timelines by up to 50% and lower costs by about 20%.
They also reduce environmental impact and support more sustainable communities.
Buy Canadian Policy
Construction will prioritize Canadian lumber, steel, and other materials.
This strengthens domestic supply chains and creates Canadian jobs.
First Announcements Under Build Canada Homes
The federal government has already laid out some major first steps:
4,000 new factory-built homes to be constructed on six federal sites.
Potential to expand up to 45,000 housing units across the full federal land portfolio.
A $1.5 billion Canada Rental Protection Fund to preserve affordable rentals
$1 billion for transitional and supportive housing, targeting people experiencing homelessness
City-By-City Snapshot:
Build Canada Homes will begin with six cities across Canada — plus a major project in Nunavut. Here’s what we know so far:
Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
− One of six federal land sites for the first ~4,000 factory-built homes.
− Exact locations and unit types still to be confirmed.Longueuil, Quebec
− Identified for modular and factory-built housing.
− Full project details yet to be released.Ottawa, Ontario
− Construction expected to begin as early as next year.
− Federal lands in the Canada Public Land Bank may be used for sites.Toronto, Ontario
− Selected as one of the first project locations.
− Site specifics and unit counts still in progress.Winnipeg, Manitoba
− Included in the first round of federal land projects.
− Awaiting details on land, unit numbers, and project scope.Edmonton, Alberta
− Confirmed as part of the initial group.
− Local project planning and approvals still pending.Nunavut
− Over 700 new homes planned in partnership with the Nunavut Housing Corporation.
− About 30% of units will be built off-site for faster and more efficient delivery in northern conditions.
History: Post-World War II Housing Policies – Canada
Canada has a history of federal housing programs to address shortages:
After WWII (1945–1960s), Canada faced a housing shortage due to returning soldiers and population growth.
Key initiatives:
Central Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), established in 1946, provided mortgage insurance, low-cost loans, and built public housing.
National Housing Act Amendments (1949 onward): Encouraged private and public housing construction, especially rental units for working families.
Large-scale public housing projects were built in cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.
Conclusion
Build Canada Homes is a major federal initiative using public land and modular construction to deliver affordable housing in Canada. The program is designed to address the country’s housing shortage, providing thousands of new homes for families, seniors, and vulnerable populations. By combining modern construction methods, faster delivery, and cost-effective solutions, Build Canada Homes aims to make housing more accessible, sustainable, and affordable for Canadians.