Municipal Program Expands Access to Housing Grants
Halifax officials have significantly expanded a housing initiative designed to increase affordable housing stock through secondary dwelling units. The revised program now offers financial support for property owners creating backyard tiny homes, basement apartments, and other small-scale residential units.
Expanded Program Eligibility
Previously limited to single secondary units on owner-occupied primary residences, the program now allows:
– Non-profit organizations and housing cooperatives to qualify for funding
– Up to two secondary units per property, subject to land-use regulations
Application Details
The application window has been extended through October 11, 2026, with municipal authorities aiming to approve 250 new building permits by this deadline. Approved projects must complete construction by April 1, 2027.
Program Performance and Funding
Recent municipal data indicates the initiative initially saw slower-than-anticipated participation, with 91 applications submitted through mid-December 2025. Of these, 69 received approval while 22 remained under review. The program has utilized $412,000 of its $1.5 million budget allocation from the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Grant Specifications
Qualified applicants may receive up to $13,000 per unit to offset water and wastewater installation costs. Program requirements mandate repayment of funds if units operate as short-term rentals within five years of construction completion.
Municipal representatives emphasized these changes aim to address housing shortages by removing barriers to creating secondary dwellings. “This expansion represents our commitment to innovative housing solutions,” stated a planning department official during the program announcement.
