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Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF)

Published on

August 7, 2024

What is the Program?

The Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) is a significant component of Canada’s broader strategy to address the housing crisis and promote sustainable development. Launched as part of the Green Buildings Strategy, this $6 billion initiative aims to provide the essential infrastructure needed to support new housing developments across the country. By investing in water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste management systems, the CHIF ensures that communities have the foundational infrastructure required to build new homes efficiently and sustainably.

How Does it Work?

The CHIF operates through a collaborative model that involves several key steps:

Funding Allocation: The fund allocates $6 billion to support a variety of infrastructure projects that enable housing development. This includes projects related to water supply, wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and solid waste disposal.

Project Proposals: Provinces and territories are invited to submit proposals for infrastructure projects that align with the CHIF’s objectives. Proposals must detail how the projects will facilitate new housing developments and address specific community needs.

Application Process: The application process involves an initial assessment of the proposals by a federal review panel. Successful proposals are approved for funding, and provinces and territories receive the necessary financial support to implement their projects.

Implementation and Monitoring: Once approved, infrastructure projects are implemented by the respective provinces and territories. The federal government provides oversight and support to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. Regular monitoring and reporting are required to track progress and measure outcomes.

How Can People Access the Program?

Accessing the CHIF involves several steps:

Proposal Development: Provinces and territories develop detailed proposals for infrastructure projects that support new housing developments. These proposals should outline the project scope, expected outcomes, budget, and timeline.

Submission: Proposals are submitted through the federal government’s online portal for review and approval.

Approval and Funding: Approved projects receive funding from the CHIF. The amount of funding provided is based on the project’s scope and potential impact on housing supply.

Project Implementation: Provinces and territories proceed with the implementation of the approved projects, ensuring compliance with federal guidelines and reporting requirements.

Ongoing Support: The federal government provides ongoing support and oversight to help provinces and territories complete their projects successfully.

What is the Government Aiming to Achieve?

The primary objectives of the CHIF are:

Increase Housing Supply: Address the housing crisis by facilitating the rapid construction of new homes through essential infrastructure projects.

Improve Housing Affordability: Reduce the cost of housing by ensuring that necessary infrastructure is in place to support new developments.

Promote Climate-Friendly Development: Encourage the construction of sustainable and energy-efficient homes that align with Canada’s climate goals.

Enhance Community Resilience: Improve the quality of life in communities by providing reliable and efficient infrastructure that supports housing and other essential services.

How is Success Measured?

The success of the CHIF is measured through several key indicators:

Project Completions: The number and scope of infrastructure projects completed under the program, indicating the level of provincial and territorial engagement and activity.

Increase in Housing Supply: The number of new homes built as a result of the infrastructure projects, addressing the housing shortage and improving affordability.

Improvements in Housing Affordability: The reduction in housing costs for Canadians, making homes more accessible to a broader population.

Environmental Impact: The sustainability and climate-friendliness of new housing developments supported by the CHIF.

Community Benefits: Enhancements in community resilience and quality of life due to improved infrastructure and housing availability.

By focusing on these metrics, the CHIF aims to deliver substantial and measurable benefits to Canadian communities, addressing the urgent need for housing while promoting sustainable development practices.