Several eastern New Brunswick communities are getting federal funding to help build more homes faster.
More than $9 million has been earmarked through the Housing Accelerator Fund, officials announced Monday.
That money will go toward the communities of Cap-Acadie, Grand-Bouctouche, Champdoré, and Indian Island First Nation.
Each of the communities has committed to local initiatives aimed at eliminating barriers to building housing.
Officials said that work will fast-track 250 homes over three years and help spur the construction of more than 2,100 homes over the next decade.
Cap-Acadie is receiving over $2 million to bring in 10 initiatives to boost housing stock including secondary, modular, family and infill housing.
These initiatives will also speed up the approval process, establish rental housing zones and help build partnerships with non-profits to develop more affordable housing.
Grand-Bouctouche will receive nearly $2.9 million for 10 local initiatives that will enable a range of housing forms and densities.
The funding will allow for more units on single lots. It will support the development of more affordable homes by offering incentive programs and partnering with non-profit housing providers.
The town will also incentivize using prefabricated housing and energy-efficient housing for certain community members.
Champdoré will receive over $3.8 million for eight local initiatives meant to streamline approval processes, support prefabricated housing, and implement density bonusing.
The initiatives will offer incentive programs for adding units to existing residences, helping cover infrastructure costs for new developments, and converting commercial spaces to residences.
Indian Island First Nation will receive $400,000 to help increase housing workforce capacity, which includes the development of a coastal adaption framework to mitigate risks associated with future extreme climate events.
Initiatives also include buying more land to help relocate and increase the number of homes in a flood-safe location, creating density, and leveraging strong environmental and engineering standards.
