The City of Saint John is reopening select streams of the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Grant Program to allocate the remaining available funding. Intake will continue until all funds are fully committed.
These updates follow Council’s May 4 adoption of amendments to the HAF Grant Program Policy, which broadens the range of supported housing types and improves alignment with the City’s housing supply objectives. The amendments introduce a new Accessory Dwelling Unit Grant and refine existing streams to better support a diverse mix of housing forms that can be delivered within the HAF program timeline.
Newly Re-Opened Grant Streams
1. Accessory Dwelling Unit Grant (New)
Supports the creation of Accessory Dwelling Units within the Primary Development Area, serviced by water and sewer.
- Up to $15,000 per Secondary Suite (a self‑contained unit within the primary residence)
- Up to $25,000 per Garden Suite (a self‑contained unit detached from the primary residence.
These units provide gentle density, expand rental options, and make better use of existing serviced lots. Grants are issued after the project has been completed and final inspections confirm the unit is fully legal and code‑compliant. Projects will be prioritized that submit a building permit application before the end of 2026.
2. Affordable Homeownership Grant (New)
Supports non‑profit organizations delivering Affordable Homeownership units through shared‑equity or resale‑restricted models.
- Up to $25,000 per new Affordable Homeownership Unit
- Eligible only to non‑profit organizations
- Units must be delivered through a shared equity or resale restricted model that maintains affordability over time (e.g., Habitat for Humanity models)
This stream expands the Missing Middle program to include ownership options that remain attainable for future buyers.
3. Revitalizing Rental Grant
Supports the renovation of vacant rental units to bring them back into the housing supply.
- $10,000 per eligible unit, up to $50,000 total
- Applicants must be a non‑profit organization or eligible for a RRAP grant through Housing New Brunswick
This stream helps restore aging or under‑utilized rental stock, improving availability and quality of housing.
Building Strong Progress Toward Housing Targets
The Housing Accelerator Fund is a time‑limited program delivered in partnership with CMHC. Saint John has now achieved its HAF housing supply commitments for 2026. These amendments adopted by Council build on that progress by supporting a more flexible and balanced mix of housing types.
The City will continue to prioritize projects that can be completed within the HAF funding window and that align with housing supply targets, complete community objectives, and policy priorities.
How to Apply
Full eligibility criteria and application forms are available:
- Email: housing@saintjohn.ca
- Website: https://saintjohn.ca/en/HAFgrant
Applications will be accepted until all remaining funds are allocated.
