Opening Doors to Support Attainable Housing Solutions in Muskoka
There are multiple funding opportunities available locally, provincially and federally to assist in the development or redevelopment of affordable housing units in Muskoka.
In June and July 2023, the District hosted a Muskoka Housing Funding Forum. This was a series of two engaging, informative sessions featuring speakers from local, provincial, and federal organizations who shared details on various funding opportunities, eligibility criteria, application processes, and types of projects that would qualify. These speakers possessed a wealth of knowledge and expertise and provided valuable insights that will help support the creation and improvement of attainable housing in Muskoka. Many of the programs discussed are ongoing or offered on an annual basis, and funding may still be available.
Opportunities will include but are not limited to:
- Programs for private property owners and homeowners who may be interested in creating a secondary suite in their home or a garden suite on their property.
- Funding for for-profit developers and landlords who want to construct or renovate affordable housing units/buildings.
- Funding to assist non-profit organizations, co-operatives, and community housing providers who want to construct or rehabilitate affordable housing units or convert non-residential buildings into residential units.
- Opportunities for private sector organizations who partner with non-profits, municipalities, or co-operatives.
Session were 2-3 hours in length and were held virtually via Zoom. The Funding Forum was open to all housing stakeholders (private land owners, homeowners, landlords, builders, developers, non-profits, community housing providers, housing co-operatives, etc.) and was an opportunity to learn more about these funding opportunities.
The sessions were recorded for those who may have missed them. More information about the content of the sessions, speaker presentation slides, and recordings can be found below.
Session 1 - June 8, 2023 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
National Funding Opportunities
Presenter #1: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
- CMHC offers a wide variety of funding and financing programs for non-profits, for-profit developers, Indigenous governments and organizations, and community housing providers. Programs offer low-cost loans, interest-free financing, and funding contributions to support the development, repair, and preservation of affordable housing.
- View presentation slides
Presenter #2: Housing Investment Corporation (HIC)
- HIC offers long-term, low-cost financing to housing non-profits and cooperatives to build more affordable housing and regenerate Canadian community housing portfolios.
- View presentation slides
Watch the video recording of Session 1 below:
Session 2 - July 6, 2023 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Enbridge Energy Incentives and District of Muskoka Funding Opportunities and Initiatives
Presenter #1: Enbridge Energy Incentives will be presenting on the following 2 programs:
- Savings by Design Affordable Housing Program: A program to help organizations and businesses who are building affordable housing to maximize energy efficiency to reduce operating costs for the building, while providing up to $120,000 in funding to help improve the energy performance of the project +20% above the Ontario Building code.
- Affordable Multi-Family Housing Program: A program offering incentives for social and municipal housing providers, shelters, co-ops and eligible market-rate multi-family buildings to upgrade to high-efficiency equipment for their existing buildings.
- View presentation slides
Presenter #2: District of Muskoka
- The District offers programs available to private homeowners, small landlords, developers, and non-profits/co-operatives. During this session we will share information on programs and funding opportunities which include:
- rent supplements
- accessibility grants
- home repair funding
- the creation of secondary and garden suites, and
- the construction and renovation affordable housing units
District staff will also speak about related resources and initiatives that may be helpful to a variety of housing stakeholders.
Watch the video recording of Session 2 below:
Supporting attainable housing solutions in Muskoka. It’s what we do.