BACKGROUND
The 2022 Federal Budget provided $4 billion in funding in order to launch the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). The Fund was an application-based program, overseen by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) with a single application window in 2023. The Town of Westlock submitted its application in August 2023.
Applications were evaluated based on a number of criteria, including commitment to increasing housing supply, alignment with the objectives of the Fund, effectiveness at increasing the supply of housing, and the demonstrated need for increased housing supply in the applicable community.
The Town of Westlock, like many communities in Canada, is currently facing a shortage of available housing that is affordable and suitable for residents at all wages, ages, and stages. The initiatives in the Town of Westlock Housing Action Plan targets both short-term supply issues and long-term improvements to the housing system. Initiatives were identified by Town administration based on their alignment to the HAF’s goals and the ability for said goals to be realized within the Fund’s 3-year timeline.
Watch this page and our social media for updates and announcements
as work and projects commence.
WESTLOCK'S HOUSING ACTION PLAN
Developed by Town administration to address the town's unique housing needs and context, it targets both immediate supply concerns and long-term housing system improvements, aligning with HAF's objectives and fitting within a 3-year execution timeline.
Residential Development Incentive Program
Promotes diverse residential developments town-wide, offering per-unit incentives to home builders and owners and streamlines the development process with pre-approved construction plans, thus lowering entry barriers.
Secondary, Garden, & Garage Suite Program
Encourages the creation of new living spaces within low-density areas, facilitated by bylaw amendments and per-suite incentives for contractors and homeowners, aiming to diversify and increase housing options.
Aspendale Area Structure Plan
Prepares the Aspendale neighbourhood for future development to ensure the Town retains a sufficient supply of development ready land, while advocating for a variety of housing types to meet broader community needs.
Southview Residential Subdivision Project
Addresses the immediate shortage of available lots through infrastructure investment and subdivision, integrating new developments with existing community resources and connectivity.
Housing Policy Framework Improvements
Strengthens regulatory and policy foundations to tackle prevalent housing issues, including inadequacies in housing availability, the missing-middle gap, and affordability crises, through enhancements to crucial municipal documents.
E-Permitting System
Simplifies the development application process, reducing bureaucratic delays through a digital permitting system that offers convenience, speed, and transparency for applicants.
Questions?
Danielle Pougher, Director for Planning and Development
780-349-4444