Federal Lands Initiative
No fixed amount
Grant
Description:
The Federal Lands Initiative is a $316.9-million fund designed to support the transfer or leasing of surplus federal lands and buildings to eligible applicants. These properties are available at discounted or no cost, intended for development or renovation into affordable housing.
The discount on the property purchase or lease depends on the level of social outcomes achieved by the approved proposal. Once transferred or leased, the properties will be developed or renovated into affordable, sustainable, accessible and socially inclusive housing.
Comments on Funding:
Continuous Intake
Eligibility:
Applicants must be:
1. community housing organizations
2. non-profit organizations or registered charities
3. co-operative housing organizations
4. municipal, provincial and territorial governments including their agencies
5. Indigenous governments and organizations, including Tribal Councils
6. for profit organizations
7. Eligible affordable housing projects include, but are not limited to:
a. mixed-income
b. mixed-use (commercial space should not exceed 30% of gross floor area)
c. mixed-tenure
d. shelters
e. transitional housing
f. supportive housing
g. rental housing
h. affordable homeownership
Minimum Requirements
Proposals to build or renovate surplus federal property into affordable housing must meet the following minimum requirements:
a. Affordability: At least 30% of units must be less than 80% of Median Market Rent, for a minimum of 25 years.
b. Accessibility: At least 20% of units must meet accessibility standards and projects must be barrier-free or demonstrate full universal design.
c. Energy Efficiency: New projects are required to achieve either a 25% decrease in energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions relative to the 2015 National Energy Code for Buildings or the 2015 National Building Code; OR a 15% decrease relative to the 2017 National Energy Code for Buildings.
For repair or renewal projects, a 25% decrease in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions relative to past performance of the property is required.
d. Evidence of Community Need: Proponents must provide a clear description of how their project will meet the needs of the community and at least a letter of support from the municipality, a market study or waiting lists for social or affordable housing in the community.
e. Experience: Proponents, or their team, must indicate a minimum of 5 years of experience in the construction/renovation and operation of projects of similar size and scope.
f. Financial Viability: Projects must meet the minimum debt coverage ratio (DCR) of 1.10.
Application Steps:
Applicants must create an account using your email address
Documentation Needed:
Applicants must submit:
1. Property Related Documents
a. Details of the Project Being Developed
b. Construction Budget
c. Quantity Surveyor’s Report (if available)
d. Building Plans
2. Proponent Related Documents
a. Corporate Information
b. Construction Experience
c. Property Management
d. Financial Statements
e. Net Worth
3. Evidence to Support Social Outcomes
a. Affordability information
b. Accessibility information
c. Environmental (energy efficiency and greenhouse
gas emission)
d. Partnership Collaboration (if applicable)
e. Meeting Needs of Priority Groups (if applicable)
f. Onsite Supports (if applicable)
4. Financial Project Viability
a. Operating Statements
b. Rent Roll
c. Sources of Financing
Other Things to Note:
About the author
Maurice