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TOY 83 - Affordable Housing Grant Policy
Town of Yarmouth
AFFORDABLE HOUSING GRANT POLICY
Effective: August 14, 2025
TOY 83
1.0 LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY
This Affordable Housing Grant Policy (the Policy) derives its authority from Section
57(4) of the Municipal Government Act.
2.0 PURPOSE
The purpose of the Affordable Housing Grant (the Program), funded by the Government of
Canada, is to:
a)
temporarily incentivize the creation of affordable housing supply within fully serviced
areas of the Town of Yarmouth in conjunction with the priorities and targets set out in the
Town's 2024-2027 Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Action Plan;
b)
promote a broader range of housing choice for all ages, income groups, family types and
lifestyles and support housing opportunities for low-income households; and
c)
encourage innovative housing types, such as co-housing and accessory dwelling units, as
alternative means of accommodating residential growth while providing more affordable
housing options.
3.0 DEFINITIONS
a)
"Accessory dwelling unit" means the use of a building or part of a building for a
dwelling unit that is secondary and subservient to another dwelling unit on the lot.
b)
"Affordable Housing Grant Agreement" means an agreement signed between the Town
and the applicant under this Policy (i.e., a property owner, or their agent). The agreement
defines the terms and conditions under which the affordable housing grant will be made.
The Affordable Housing Grant Agreement cannot be altered without prior approval from
the CAO.
c)
"Affordable Housing Rental Program" means the program administered by the Province
of Nova Scotia to provide capital grant funding towards the creation of new housing units
for low- and moderate-income households in Nova Scotia.
d)
"Affordable housing unit", in general, means housing for people who, because of financial or
other circumstances, need assistance to cover their housing cost. For the purpose of this
Program, an affordable housing unit means an affordable housing unit as defined by the
Province of Nova Scotia through its Affordable Housing Rental Program and/or as defined by
the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. For information purposes CMHC considers
TOY 83 - Affordable Housing Grant Policy
housing to be affordable when a household spends less than 30% of its pre-tax income
on adequate housing.
e)
"Affordable Housing Reserve" means the Town of Yarmouth reserve fund provided
through the Housing Accelerator Fund, funded by the Government of Canada, for the
specific purpose of promoting affordable housing.
f)
"CAO" means the Chief Administrative Officer of the Town of Yarmouth.
g)
"Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)" is a Canadian Crown
corporation that serves as the national housing agency of Canada.
h)
"Federal funding program" means the funding offered by CMHC, including but not
limited to the National Housing Co-Investment Fund and Rapid Housing Initiative.
i)
"Construction costs estimate" means the total estimated cost of construction of the
building, including but not limited to design, materials, labor, site preparation, structural,
mechanical and electrical components.
j)
"Building conversion" means a development that changes the use of a property from a
non-residential use to a residential use resulting in net new affordable housing units.
k)
"Dwelling unit" means one or more habitable rooms designed, occupied, or intended for
use by one or more individuals as an independent and separate housekeeping
establishment, in which cooking, sleeping, and sanitary facilities are provided for the
exclusive use of such individual(s).
l)
"Missing-Middle Housing" means a wide range of residential housings forms that fall
between single detached homes and high-rise apartment building. Examples include
semi-detached and duplexes homes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses rowhouses,
courtyard housing, apartment buildings with less than 4 storeys or accessory dwelling
units.
m)
Non-market housing" means rental or for-sale housing provided for low and moderate-
income groups not traditionally served by the private market. It is typically made
affordable through public and/or non-profit ownership of housing units or through rent
supplements that allow low-income households to access housing in the private market.
n)
"Non-profit housing provider" means a charity or society incorporated under the Nova
Scotia Societies Act (Ch. 435, R.S.N.S. 1989) whose mandate includes but is not limited
to, the supply and management of affordable housing units. Other models may include
non-profit subsidiary organizations of for-profit housing developers who may partner
with other social service organizations with the goal of supporting/developing affordable
housing units and other non-market housing.
o)
"Town", means the Town of Yarmouth.
TOY 83 - Affordable Housing Grant Policy
p)
"Vacant building" means the building has been vacant for at least 6 months, unless
otherwise determined by the Town.
4.0 ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
4.1
The CAO, or their delegate, shall expend the funds contained in the Affordable Housing Reserve
in accordance with the provisions contained in this Policy.
4.2
The CAO may further delegate any or all the authorities under this Policy to one or more
employees of the Town.
5.0 GOALS
The Program aims to:
a)
distribute grant funding, on or before December 31, 2028, to support the construction of
at least 36 eligible affordable housings units as set out in the Town's HAF Action Plan;
and
b)
manage and distribute available grant funding in a responsible and transparent manner,
while balancing any constraints on how the available funding may be used.
6.0
GENERAL PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
6.1 The grant may be provided only to eligible affordable housing units that have been approved
for funding under a federal funding program and/or the provincial Affordable Housing Rental
Program.
6.2
Applicants must have valid a Development and Building Permit issued between January 22,
2025, and June 30, 2027, inclusive.
6.3
The Development and Building Permit referenced in Section 6.2, shall be for one or more of the
following:
a)
the construction of a new accessory dwelling unit;
b)
the construction of new missing-middle housing; and/or
c)
a building conversion, or reuse of vacant buildings.
6.4
Unless otherwise approved by the CAO, eligible applications may only be accepted until June
30, 2027 (inclusive), or until all of the funds in the Affordable Housing Reserve have been
awarded, whichever occurs first.
6.5
Projects must include a construction cost estimate prepared by a qualified professional such as an
architect, engineer or a project consultant at the time of the application.
6.6
The development must be located within the Town boundary and be on a fully serviced lot
pursuant to the Town's Subdivision Bylaw.
6.7
The development must comply with all applicable legislation.
TOY 83 - Affordable Housing Grant Policy
6.8
The application must be submitted by the registered owner of the lot, or an authorized agent
acting on behalf of the registered owner. The applicant can be for-profit or a non- profit housing
provider.
6.9
Affordable housing units must not be used as a short-term rental or a per-night rental.
6.10 The Missing-Middle Housing Grant cannot be combined with the Revitalizing Rental Stock Grant
and vice versa.
6.11 Where an applicant is found to be in violation or in contravention of any Town bylaw or is
subject to any outstanding work orders or any other enforcement procedures of the Town or
any other governmental authority, the application may not be accepted, may be refused,
deemed ineligible, or any pending grant disbursements may be cancelled.
7.0 GRANT STREAMS
The Program consists of two grant funding streams:
a)
Missing-Middle Housing Grant (Section 8.0)
b)
Revitalizing Rental Stock Grant (Section 9.0)
8.0 MISSING-MIDDLE HOUSING GRANT
8.1 Purpose
To incentivize the construction of missing-middle housing forms.
8.2
Grant Description
The Missing-Middle Housing Grant provides $10,000 per eligible unit, to a maximum of
$50,000 per application, per building.
8.3
Grant Eligibility
In addition to general eligibility requirements identified in Section 6.0, the project must consist
of missing-middle housing.
9.0 REVITALIZING RENTAL STOCK GRANT
9.1 Purpose
To incentivize the revitalization of existing rental stock and retention of such housing stock at
greater levels of affordability than may otherwise be contemplated.
9.2
Grant Description
Revitalizing Rental Stock Grant provides $10,000 per eligible unit, to a maximum of
$50,000 per application, per building.
9.3
Eligibility
TOY 83 - Affordable Housing Grant Policy
In addition to general eligibility requirements identified in Section 6.0, the total grant cannot
exceed 50% of the overall construction cost estimate as determined at the time of the Building
Permit application.
10.0 GRANT APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
10.1 An application for a grant under this Policy must include the following:
a)
A completed application form (attached in Appendix A to this Policy).
(i)
A written authorization from the registered owner of the subject property may be
required - as applicable.
(ii)
Applications may be submitted to the Town, by mail, e-mail or in person.
b)
An executed funding agreement provided and approved by a federal funding program
and/or the provincial Affordable Housing Rental Program. The agreement must identify
the number of affordable housing units to be constructed.
c)
A copy of the approved Development Permit and Building Permit for eligible development.
d)
A project schedule indicating the following key milestones:
(i)
Project start date
(ii)
Estimated date of completion of framing inspection (for Missing Middle Housing
Grant only); and
(iii)
Estimated date of project completion.
e)
Construction cost estimates - The applicant must provide an invoice/quote, or a cost to
construct budget provided a qualified professional such as an architect, engineer or a project
consultant at the time of the application;
f)
Any other information that may be requested by the CAO, or delegate.
11.0 GRANT APPLICATION REVIEW
11.1 Applications will be reviewed by the CAO and/or delegate(s).
11.2 Funding will be committed in the order that applications are received, provided that the project
meets all applicable eligibility criteria and the application is complete.
11.3 Program intake may pause or cease to occur at the discretion of the CAO, based on available
funds in the Affordable Housing Reserve.
11.4 Final approval of all applications for the Program, and the amount thereof, is at the sole discretion
of the CAO.
11.5 Notification of the decision by the CAO will be emailed and/or mailed to applicants after it is
made.
11.6 Due to limited funds, not all eligible applications may receive funding.
TOY 83 - Affordable Housing Grant Policy
12.0 DISBURSEMENT OF GRANT FUNDS
12.1 No grant funds will be disbursed to successful applicants until:
a)
the successful applicant has:
(i)
entered into an Affordable Housing Grant Agreement with the Town; and
(ii)
obtained a Building Permit1 from the Town for the eligible development; and
b)
the following applicable milestone(s) have been achieved:
Grant Stream
Required Milestone
Exception
Missing-Middle Housing
Framing inspection approved
under the applicable Building
Permit on or before June 30,
2028.
If the eligible Missing-Middle
Housing consists solely of an
accessory dwelling unit, on
Occupancy Permit must be
issued on or before June 30,
2028.
Revitalizing Rental Stock
Full completion of the
development and issuance of an
Occupancy Permit on or before
June 30, 2028.
N/A
1 Substantial revisions to the issued Building Permit attached to the grant application form, including
but not limited to, reductions in the number of affordable housing units, may void the
application or require the application to be resubmitted.
12.2 Funding available under this Policy will depend upon the following considerations.
a)
Number of grant applications received and availability of funding for HAF.
b)
The Town receiving federal funding for HAF. Despite approval of an application under
this Policy, planned disbursement of funds may be cancelled by the CAO at any time
based on availability of funds in the Affordable Housing Reserve; and
c)
Construction progress - The Town will periodically confirm project commencement
and/or construction progress. If no progress is demonstrated within 6 months of the
issuance of a Building Permit for the eligible development and the CAO or delegate
determines the project is at risk of not being completed, the grant may be withdrawn.
12.3 Prior to disbursement of any grants under this Policy, the Town may withhold payment should
any of the following be determined:
TOY 83 - Affordable Housing Grant Policy
a)
the property taxes and/or water utility fees for the property have not been paid in full, or,
b)
the property is in violation of Town bylaws, including, but not limited to, the Building Bylaw or
the Land Use Bylaw.
13.0 OUTCOMES REPORT
13.1 Funding recipients will be required to submit an outcomes report outlining how the funds
were used in accordance with this Program. These reports will be made publicly available.
13.2 The Town reserves the right to request additional information or explanation for such reports.
13.3 Staff of the Town will provide an information report annually to Council on the Affordable
Housing Grants approved under this Policy.
Clerk's Annotation for Official Policy Book
Date of Adoption: August 14th, 2025
I certify that this 'Affordable Housing Grant Policy' was adopted by Council as indicated above.
Town Clerk: Date:
TOY 83 - Affordable Housing Grant Policy
Appendix A
Affordable Housing Grant Application
SECTION 1 - Program Description
This Program is intended for homeowners, non-profit housing providers, and for-profit developers
interested in creating additional affordable housing units through new construction, building
conversions, or the reuse of vacant buildings.
Note - this grant application form shall be read and completed in conjunction with the Affordable
Housing Grant Policy.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
-
Eligible properties must be located within the Town boundary and be a fully serviced
lot pursuant to the Town's Subdivision Bylaw.
-
The eligible unit must:
o comply with all applicable federal, provincial and municipal legislation, including
zoning and building regulations;
o be self-contained with a kitchen area and full bathroom; and
o
not be a short-term rental or per night rental unit.
-
The applicant must reside at the subject property (applies to grants for accessory
dwelling units only).
GRANT DETAILS
-
This program offers a one-time grant.
-
The Missing-Middle Affordable Housing Grant provides $10,000 per eligible unit
to a maximum total of $50,000 per application per building.
-
The Revitalizing Rental Stock Grant provides $10,000 per eligible unit, to a
maximum of $50,000 per application, per building
GRANT DISBURSEMENT
Approved grants are issued in a single lump sum upon:
-
issuance of a development and building permit; and
-
confirmation of a completed framing inspection for new construction; or
-
issuance of occupancy permits for accessory dwelling units, new units created from building
conversions, or reuse of vacant buildings: and
-
fulfillment of all other Program conditions required for payment.
TOY 83 - Affordable Housing Grant Policy
SECTION 2 - Applicant Information
Applicant Name:
Civic Address:
Mailing Address:
Home Phone:
Cell Phone:
Email:
SECTION 3 - PROJECT DESCRIPTION
1. I am applying for a Grant under the following category:
o Missing-Middle Housing: Examples include semi-detached and duplexes homes, triplexes,
fourplexes, townhouses rowhouses, courtyard housing, apartment buildings with less than
4 storeys or accessory dwelling units.
o Revitalizing Rental Stock: Renovation of existing housing stock into affordable units, or reuse of
vacant buildings.
2. For accessory dwelling units, are you the current homeowner who resides at the subject
property as your primary residence?
Yes
No
(Proof of residency at the property in form of a driver's license and utility bill will be required)
3. Attachments included:
o Building Permit(s)
o A project schedule with the following key milestones:
-
Construction / project start date
-
Estimated date of completion of framing inspection (Missing-Middle Housing applications
only)
-
Estimated date of project completion
o Written Property Owner Authorization, if required
o Construction Cost Estimates
o Executed funding agreement from Province of Nova Scotia and/or the Government of
Canada with identification of affordable housing units approved for funding. For
more clarity, affordable housing units must be approved for funding under a federal
funding program and/or the provincial Affordable Housing Rental Program.
TOY 83 - Affordable Housing Grant Policy
SECTION 4 - APPLICANT SIGNATURE
In signing this application, the applicant understands and agrees that:
-
Affordable housing unit(s) must:
-
comply with all applicable federal, provincial and municipal legislation, including
the Town of Yarmouth Land Use Bylaw, the Town of Yarmouth Tax Policy and other
applicable bylaws and regulations.
-
be self-contained.
-
not be used as a short-term rental or a per-night rental at any time throughout
duration of the Agreement.
-
have an occupancy permit issued by the Town of Yarmouth on or before June 30,
2028, for ADUs and building conversions and vacant building reuse.
- Owner must obtain a valid Development and Building Permit for the eligible development
from the Town of Yarmouth after January 22, 2025.
-
Affordable housing unit(s) of new construction (excluding ADUs) must have a framing
inspection completed and in full compliance on or before June 30, 2028.
Applicants are advised that applications will be assessed on a first-come, first-served basis, or until
available funds in the Affordable Housing Reserve have been exhausted, whichever occurs first. The
grant will be disbursed as a one-time sum subject to Section 12 of the Affordable Housing Grant
Policy (Disbursement of Grant Funds). The applicant must comply with all program requirements
to obtain grant approval and payment.
Applicant Signature:
Date:
SECTION 5 - COLLECTION OF PERSONAL INFORMATION NOTICE
Collection of Personal information via this form is authorized under the Access to Information and
Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 and is needed to process your Permit Application. Questions about
the collection and use of the information may be directed to the Town's Municipal Clerk by email:
[email protected] or by phone 902-742-8565.
Please send completed form to:
By email: [email protected]
By mail/in person:
400 Main Street, Yarmouth NS, B5A 1G2
Attn: CAO's Office
Subject: AHAF Grant Application