Maple Ridge is to received $16.6 million from Ottawa, to cut red tape and get housing built faster.

The federal government recently announced more cities and first nations that will benefit from its Housing Accelerator Fund, which is a $4.4 billion initiative to address the affordability crisis.

The total sum of $16,632,970 for the City of Maple Ridge is intended to fast-track 480 additional homes in the next three years, and spur the construction of 1,525 homes in the next 10 years, said the announcement from the federal government.

"Housing and infrastructure are essential to supporting our rapidly growing community, and this funding is critical to addressing both needs," said Mayor Dan Ruimy.

"By investing in road expansions, bridges, recreational facilities, and fire halls, we are laying the foundation for the development of new homes. Improved infrastructure not only enhances the quality of life but also makes it easier and more efficient for developers to build and deliver housing."

He said streamlining development processes, accelerating permits, and enhancing services at city hall are key steps in speeding up housing construction.

"With the support of the federal government, this funding will also bolster our efforts in transit-oriented development, ensuring that we create connected, sustainable communities as we grow," added Ruimy.

The City of Maple Ridge's Action Plan commits to seven local initiatives, including a new concierge service and a certified professional program to help development approvals move through the system faster.

Opportunities to develop affordable and rental housing on city-owned land will be enabled through land inventories, inclusionary zoning, and targeted financial incentives. Densification will be encouraged through a targeted financial incentive. The action plan also includes a focus on digitization of processes, including e-permitting, to streamline developmental approvals.  

The Housing Accelerator Fund is supposed to fast track at least 112,000 permitted new homes by 2028, which cities and regions estimate will lead to the creation of over 750,000 new homes over the next decade. It asks for innovative action plans from local governments, and once approved, provides up-front funding to ensure the timely implementation of initiatives.

The first round of HAF committed $4 billion to local governments. In Budget 2024, the federal government committed an additional $400 million to incentivize more local government to fast-track home construction, including Maple Ridge.

READ THE ARTICLE: Feds give Maple Ridge $16.6 million to speed home building - Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows News