National Housing Strategy

Federal Lands Initiative

Explore surplus federal lands and buildings available for development into affordable housing and communities.

The Federal Land Initiative helps improve use of federal lands by fostering collaboration among government agencies, local communities and private entities. Its objectives include promoting sustainable land use, enhancing public access and recreation, supporting economic development and adopting efficient land management practices. The initiative focuses on balancing environmental conservation with opportunities for economic growth and community benefits.

What is the Federal Lands Initiative

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.

The Federal Lands Initiative is led by CMHC with support from:

Public Service and Procurement Canada (PSPC)Open New Tab
Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC)Open New Tab
Canada Lands Company (CLC)Open New Tab

Explore Properties

Currently there are no available requests for expression of interest or competitions.

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Evaluations Underway

Currie, Calgary, Alberta

Opportunity to develop a 0.4-hectare lot – proposals must feature at least 99 affordable housing units.

Village at Griesbach, Edmonton, Alberta

Development opportunity for a 1.06-hectare site – proposals must include at least 45 3-bedroom row housing units.

Wateridge Village, Ottawa, Ontario

Redevelopment opportunity for a 1.7-hectare site – must include mixed-use and at least 495 residential units.

Arbo Phase 1, Toronto, Ontario

Opportunity to develop 280 affordable rental units in Block 3B.

Côte-de-Liesse, Montreal, Quebec

Development opportunity for a historic building – must include plans for at least 110 residential units.

Still have questions about the Federal Lands Initiative?

Please connect with your Indigenous and the North Housing Solutions Specialist or Multi-Unit Housing Solutions Specialist at contactcentre@cmhc.ca or 1-800-668-2642

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Date Published: August 24, 2024