The Town of Yarmouth has approved a new policy that aims to make it easier and more affordable for developers to build housing.

The Surplus Lands for Affordable Housing Policy, introduced as part of the town’s Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan, focuses on reducing or removing land acquisition costs for non-profit housing developers.

The program will identify town-owned properties suitable for development, prepare them for construction, and advertise them for affordable, multi-residential housing projects.

Mayor Pam Mood said the policy is another important step toward creating more affordable and inclusive communities. “This initiative will help increase the supply of housing and support the building of affordable, equitable and diverse communities — complete and walkable communities with access to amenities,” Mood said.

Federal Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson also praised the move, calling it an example of governments working together to increase housing supply. “Yarmouth is part of more than 200 municipalities across Canada that are committed to cutting red tape and fast-tracking housing,” he said.

Residents and developers can learn more about the program, including available properties and how to apply, on the Town of Yarmouth’s website.

The initiative is funded through the federal Housing Accelerator Fund.