Programs for Builders and Developers

Help Increase Available Affordable Housing in Muskoka

Are you a developer, builder or home owner interested in building new affordable housing units? To help increase the supply of available affordable housing, the District offers funding to encourage the development of affordable housing across Muskoka. Read more about our current programs below:

Capital Incentive Funding

Capital Incentive Funding is available through the MAHIP program. Through Capital Incentive Funding, developers and builders may be eligible to receive funding towards the construction of rental housing. Funding amounts vary based on the affordability period as per below:

Affordability Periods
Funding Amount	Affordability Period
$15,000	7 Years
$40,000	10 Years
$80,000	20 Years

Homeowners wishing to develop a secondary suite in an owner occupied home may be eligible for funding up to $25,000 for an affordability period of 8 years.

New Construction for Sale by Developer

Funding provided through the developer in the form of down payment assistance, available upon approved purchase agreement
Home must be principal residence and the only home owned by any member of the purchasing household
Household income and asset level must be at or below level set by the District of Muskoka
Capital Incentive Funding Agreement to be registered on title for 20 years
Must have arm's length relationship between seller and purchaser
Home must be sold at or below the following affordability criteria as set by the District of Muskoka

New Construction Rental Units (Other than Secondary Unit in Owner Occupied Home)

Funding available upon receipt of occupancy permit
Rental units must be at or below average market rent which is set annually based on data collected by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Rent limits in place for 7 years with funding of $15,000 per unit; 10 years with funding of $40,000 per unit; 20 years with funding of $80,000 per unit.
Applies to new construction or renovation/conversion where new units are constructed (e.g. single home converted into two units or commercial property converted into housing)
Preference given to rents that include some or all utility costs
Owner household income must be at or below the level set by the District

Capital Incentive Funding Agreement to be registered on title for the respective affordability period.

New Construction Rental Units (Secondary Unit in Owner Occupied Home)

To be built in owner occupied homes only
Rental units must be at or below average market rent which is set annually based on data collected by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Rent limits in place for 8 years
Home must be deemed structurally sound to accommodate the renovation (based on permit being issued by local Building Department)
Zoning must be in place to allow secondary unit
Renter household income must be at or below the level set by the District
Capital Incentive Funding Agreement to be registered on title for 8 years

Capital Incentive Program Application

Download the application at the following link: Capital Incentive Program Application

For additional information about Capital Incentive programs please contact the Affordable Housing Manager at 705-645-2412 ext. 4632 or via email.

Landlord Rent Supplement Program

The Landlord Rent Supplement Program is available through the MAHIP program. Landlords may be eligible to enter into rent supplement agreements where they receive a direct payment for a portion of the monthly rent (average of $235 per unit per month) toward rental units. Click here to learn more: Landlord Rent Supplement Program

What is the Muskoka Affordable Housing Initiatives Program (MAHIP)?

The District of Muskoka is pleased to offer the Muskoka Affordable Housing Initiatives Program (MAHIP). MAHIP is a multiyear program for low and modest income households providing funding for the development and provision of affordable housing in the District of Muskoka. MAHIP funding will be offered to eligible Developers, Builders, Buyers and Landlords within Muskoka.

Program Objectives

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, and Landlords 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 project applications that include prioritized outcomes such as attractive design and appearance, opportunities for tenant participation and engagement, and preferred locations
Support individuals and families who cannot afford current market rents by offering rent subsidies

Development Charges: You may be required to pay development charges for land development or redevelopment projects if you are constructing a new building, making an addition or alteration to an existing building that increases the number of dwelling units or the non-residential gross floor area or redeveloping a property or making interior alterations that result in a change of use to all or part of the building. Learn more about development charges by clicking this link.