Housing Action Plan | Town of Westlock

The Town of Westlock is committed to building a vibrant and inclusive community by creating housing options for residents of all ages, incomes, and life stages. Through our Housing Action Plan, we are taking meaningful steps to address current housing shortages and lay the foundation for long-term affordability and growth.

This action plan was developed as part of the Town’s successful 2023 application to the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), a federal initiative administered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). All initiatives are designed to meet HAF’s objectives and are deliverable within a three-year timeline.

Learn more about the Town's progress in implementing our Housing Action Plan by visiting our Housing Progress in Westlock page.

Residential Development Incentive Program

This program encourages diverse residential construction across Westlock. It includes:

New Construction Grants: $15,000 per unit (up to 4 units per property)
Tax Incentives: A one-time tax cancellation of up to $5,000 per unit in the year following occupancy
Pre-Approved Plans: Available for multiple housing types to streamline the approval process

These incentives are fully funded by the Housing Accelerator Fund and are designed to reduce barriers for builders, streamline approvals, and boost housing starts.

Applications for the 2025 grant cycle are now closed. The next round opens in early 2026.

Secondary, Garden & Garage Suites Program

Supporting gentle density and homeowner-led housing options, this program offers:

Grants of $10,000 per suite for new or upgraded (code-compliant) secondary, garage, or garden suites
Pre-approved suite plans available for streamlined licensing and application
Updated Land Use Bylaw amendments to improve certainty and simplify the approval process for R1-zoned properties

Applications for the 2025 grant cycle are now closed. The next round opens in early 2026.

Aspendale Area Structure Plan (ASP)

This project prepares the Aspendale neighbourhood for future growth by:

Ensuring a long-term supply of development-ready land
Promoting a mix of housing types to serve a broader range of residents

The project team is currently refining the Draft ASP prior to Council review.

Visit the Aspendale ASP project page for updates and timelines.

Southview Residential Subdivision

This shovel-ready initiative addresses immediate lot shortages by:

Investing in new subdivision infrastructure
Offering new lots connected to existing neighbourhoods and amenities

Construction began in July 2024. Lots were available for pre-sale starting September 9.

View Southview and other Residential Lots for Sale here.

Policy & Framework Improvements

To support long-term housing growth, the Town has adopted key updates to its policy framework:

Land Use Bylaw Amendments (May 2024) – Simplified approvals for suites in R1
New Municipal Development Plan (October 2024) – With a renewed focus on housing supply, affordability, and diverse options
Land Use Bylaw Amendments (June 2025) – Removing barriers and promoting housing innovation

Learn more or get involved in current planning updates by visiting our Housing Progress page.

E-Permitting System

As part of our commitment to transparency, accessibility, and efficiency, the Town launched a new online permitting portal.

Now you can apply online for:

Development Permits
Building Permits
Electrical, Plumbing & Gas Permits

Access the e-permitting portal and apply online today.

Questions?

For more information on any Housing Action Plan initiative, contact:
Danielle Pougher, Director of Planning and Development

Email Phone