Programs for Builders, Developers and Homeowners

Building on the goals of the Muskoka Ten Year Housing and Homelessness Plan and a "housing first" approach, MAHIP has the following key objectives:

• Increase the supply of affordable housing and rental accommodation in the District of Muskoka by providing funding to developers, builders, landlords, and property owners to encourage them to build and provide affordable housing in the District.
• Offer funding for an array of housing options that address affordable housing needs across the housing continuum.
• Encourage and support projects that address prioritized outcomes.
• Support individuals and families who cannot afford current market rents by offering rent subsidies to assist with obtaining and maintaining affordable tenancies.

To be eligible for funding, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Rental units must be at or below District Alternative Average Market Rent, and incoming tenants must have incomes at or below the District set limit.
• The rent limits must be maintained for a set amount of time depending on the funding amount and corresponding affordability period (see the Funding Amounts tab below).
• The application is for new construction or for a renovation/conversion where new units are created (e.g. single home converted into a duplex or commercial property converted into housing).
• Capital Incentive Funding Agreement to be registered on title for the respective affordability period.

Through Capital Incentive Funding, developers, builders and homeowners may be eligible to receive funding towards the construction of rental housing. Applicants can select one of four funding amounts based on the length of time the unit will remain affordable (i.e. the affordability period), as outlined in the table below.

• Applications will be reviewed and scored to assess the degree to which the proposed projects address program priorities, such as demonstrated financial viability, time to occupancy, partnerships or other funding sources, in-demand unit types based on social housing waitlists, location, good planning practices, and number of units created, among other considerations.
• For the complete list of evaluation criteria, please see the Evaluation Scoring Matrix, which may be downloaded here.

Currently, Multi-Residential Unit Capital Incentives Funding in the 2024 budget has been allocated.  Developers, builders, and homeowners are still encouraged to submit their applications for the next round of funding.

Beginning in late 2024 or early 2025, applications for the program will be received during a three month submission window. Once that window has closed, applications will be evaluated and prioritized based on the Evaluation Scoring Matrix. All applications received throughout the remainder of 2024 will be considered in the first round of reviews for 2025 funding.   

Interested potential applicants are encouraged to sign up for the Affordable Housing Email list to be notified when the application window opens.

To apply, download and complete the application form. 

Submit the application form by email to affordablehousing@muskoka.on.ca or by mail to: 

The District Municipality of Muskoka

70 Pine Street

Bracebridge, ON

P1L 1N3

For additional information about Capital Incentive programs please contact the Affordable Housing Office at 705-645-2412 ext. 4410 or via email.

• Rental units must be at or below District Alternative Average Market Rent, and incoming tenants must have incomes at or below the District set limit.
• The rent limits must be maintained for a set amount of time, depending on the funding amount and corresponding affordability period (see the Funding Amounts tab below).
• The application is for the creation of a new ARU.
• Capital Incentive Funding Agreement to be registered on title for the respective affordability period.

 There are two available funding level options and corresponding affordability periods.

• Preference will be given to projects that have shorter times to occupancy, are located in urban or community areas, and are located on owner-occupied properties.
• The date the application is received will also be considered when prioritizing projects for funding. 

The District has created a guide that outlines the typical steps in the ARU permitting and construction process.  To access "Your Guide to Building Additional Residential Units," click here.

Submit the application form by email to affordablehousing@muskoka.on.ca or by mail to:

Affordable Housing Department

The District Municipality of Muskoka

70 Pine Street

Bracebridge, ON P1L 1N3

For additional information about Capital Incentive programs please contact the Affordable Housing Office at 705-645-2412 ext. 4410 or via email