The District of Muskoka offers funding and partnership programs through the Muskoka Affordable Housing Initiatives Program (MAHIP).
These programs support projects that:
- create new rental housing
- add rental units to existing homes
- lease units for affordable housing
What are you looking to do?
- Build new affordable rental housing
- Add a rental unit(s) to my home/property (ARU)
- Lease your units for affordable housing
Build New Affordable Rental Housing
This program is for non-profits, builders and developers. The program is called the Capital Incentive Funding Program.
The District offers funding up to $100,000 per unit to help build or convert buildings into affordable rental units.
This can include:
- Apartment buildings
- Schools, churches, or stores turned into housing
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Projects must:
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Funding options |
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How projects are reviewed |
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Projects are reviewed based on:
Download the evaluation scoring matrix for more details. |
How to apply |
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The application window for the 2027 program is now open until Friday, January 8, 2027. To apply, download and complete the 2027 MAHIP application form:
For more information, please contact the Affordable Housing team at: The District Municipality of Muskoka 70 Pine Street Bracebridge, ON, P1L 1N3 |
Add a Rental Unit(s) to Your Home/Property (ARUs)
This program is for homeowners, builders and developers.
An Additional Residential Unit (ARU) is a small rental home on your property.
Examples include:
- Basement apartments
- Home additions
- Apartments over garages
- Backyard or garden suites
ARUs help create more rental homes and allow homeowners to earn rental income.
Project requirements |
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Projects must:
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Funding options |
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How projects are reviewed |
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Projects are reviewed based on:
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Learn more |
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How to apply |
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The application window for the 2027 program is now open until Friday, January 8, 2027. To apply, download and complete the 2027 MAHIP application form:
For more information, please contact the Affordable Housing team at: The District Municipality of Muskoka 70 Pine Street Bracebridge, ON, P1L 1N3 |
Lease Your Units for Affordable Housing
This program is for non-profits, builders, developers, landlords, and property owners.
MAHIP Head Lease Funding Program
The Head Lease Program helps add more affordable rental units in Muskoka. The District leases rental units from property owners and rents them to households who need affordable housing.
How the Program Helps
For property owners:
- Steady/guaranteed rental income
- Less daily management – District handles subleasing and depending on the arrangement, may also provide some tenant management services
For the community:
- More affordable homes
- Homes for people waiting for housing
Who can apply |
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What units can be included |
Units may include:
Projects may include:
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How it works |
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How projects are reviewed |
Projects are reviewed based on:
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How to apply |
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The application window for the Head Lease program is now closed. To enquire about future funding, please contact the Affordable Housing team at:
The District Municipality of Muskoka 70 Pine Street Bracebridge, ON, P1L 1N3 |
Landlord Rent Supplement Program
This program is for landlords.
The District also offers rent help programs for landlords. Landlords may receive a monthly payment to help make rent affordable for tenants.
Learn more about the Landlord Rent Supplement Program
Development Charges: You may need to pay development charges if you build a new building, add new housing units and/or change how a building is used. Affordable housing projects may quality for a development charge exemption or discount. You may also wish to contact your area municipality about other rebates or exemptions that may apply. Learn more about Development Charges
Get updates on affordable housing funding! Join our mailing list to receive funding opportunities, program updates and helpful resources: Join the Affordable Housing Mailing List