The Government of Canada is continuing its ambitious housing affordability initiative, announcing in early 2025 a C$4.2 billion investment to build over 35,000 new affordable housing units across the country. Launched as part of the National Housing 2030 strategy, the program aims to alleviate pressure on the housing market in major cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
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The new projects will be implemented in partnership with provincial governments, municipalities, and non-profit organizations. The focus is on constructing low-rise apartment buildings in suburban areas with well-developed transportation infrastructure. This will reduce congestion in city centers and improve the quality of life for low- and middle-income families.
Particular attention is being paid to energy efficiency. All new buildings must meet Net Zero Ready standards—that is, be ready to operate with zero net energy consumption through solar panels, high-efficiency insulation, and heat recovery systems. The Ministry of Housing emphasizes that this will also help Canada meet its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
In Ontario, construction has already begun on two large residential developments in suburban Ottawa and Hamilton. In Alberta, projects are concentrated in Calgary and Edmonton, which are experiencing a significant influx of new residents due to economic growth and the availability of jobs in the technology and energy sectors.