Housing Accelerator Fund

Housing is a top priority for us here at City Hall. We recognize the pressing need for more homes as our community continues to grow. In total, Bathurst needs around 165 new homes each year through 2026 to meet the current and projected demand.

The Housing Accelerator Fund

The Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) is a Federal program intended to help local governments accelerate the planning and permitting processes for new housing developments to help increase the availability of housing.

Assessing our Housing Needs

The City of Bathurst, in collaboration with the Regional Service Commission, recently completed a Housing Needs Assessment to better understand its immediate and future needs in housing. The report states:

“There is an acute demand for approximately 165 new housing units in Bathurst per year to 2026. Most of this demand is driven by seniors as well as a surge in demand for affordable and market rental housing among students, migrant workers, and younger individuals. Housing demand in Bathurst is expected to slow to 50-60 units per year through to 2036, shifting gradually toward 2-bedroom and larger units.”

Read the full study here: Chaleur Region Housing Needs Assessment

The Action Plan

On March 1st, 2024, it was announced that the City of Bathurst would be receiving up to $3 million from the Housing Accelerator Fund to support its housing initiatives. Through this HAF contribution agreement, the City has committed to an Action Plan which includes the following initiatives:

• [2025-03-22] Government of Canada awards top-performing Housing Accelerator Fund communities with additional funding. As a top performer, Bathurst received additional funding totalling approximately 10% of the initial contribution — $320,000. 

Housing Development Grant Policies ( Completed)

The City will offer grants for new housing developments. This new policy will be based on the City’s Housing Needs Assessment and other important information.

• [2024-06-17] P2024-06 Housing Accelerator Fund – New Construction Grant Policy
• [2024-06-17] P2024-07 Housing Accelerator Fund – Non-Residential Building Conversion Grant Policy
• [2024-07-09] HAF Grant Application Form

Disposition of Municipal Land Policy ( Completed)

The City will create a new policy for the sale of city-owned land, in order to promote housing development.

• [2024-11-25] P2024-08 Disposition and Acquisition of Municipal Land Policy 
• View the interactive Municipal Surplus Land map

Infrastructure Plan ( Completed)

The City will create a plan to improve or expand city infrastructure — roads, water, and sewer — for future housing growth. This ensures that investments made today accommodate the housing projects of tomorrow.

• [2024-11-18] Plan was presented to council by Matthew Abernethy, P. Eng., City Engineer, during the November 18 Regular Public Meeting.
• [2024-12-09] Council accepts the Infrastructure Plan as presented 
• View the 2025-35 Interactive Infrastructure Plan Dashboard 

Increased Housing Density ( Completed)

The City will change its zoning by-law to encourage more residential units on a single lot and to allow for taller buildings, especially in the City’s downtown area.

• [2024-09-16] Presented to Council by Marc Bouffard, Director of Municipal Planning, during September 16 Regular Public Meeting.
• [2024-09-24] Presented to the Planning Advisory Committee 
• [2024-11-18] Public hearing and first reading during the November 18 Regular Public Meeting.
• [2024-12-02] Second reading during the December 2 Regular Public Meeting.
• [2024-12-16] Third reading and enactment during December 16 Regular Public Meeting.

Reduced Parking Requirements ( Completed)

The City will update its zoning by-law to require fewer parking spots for newly constructed apartment buildings, especially in the City’s downtown area.

• [2024-04-15] Presented to Council by Marc Bouffard, Director of Municipal Planning, during September 16 Regular Public Meeting.
• [2024-04-30] Presented to the Planning Advisory Committee
• [2024-05-06] Public hearing and first reading during the May 6 Regular Public Meeting.
• [2024-05-31] Second reading during the May 21 Regular Public Meeting.
• [2024-06-03] Third reading and enactment during June 3 Regular Public Meeting.
• [2024-06-03] 2024-07Z - A BY-LAW TO AMEND BY-LAW NO. 2008-01 ENTITLED “THE CITY OF BATHURST ZONING BY-LAW” 

Delegate Approval Authority ( Completed)

The City will change its by-laws to give more flexibility to the Director of Municipal Planning to approve permits faster in certain situations.

• [2024-09-16] Presented to Council by Marc Bouffard, Director of Municipal Planning, during September 16 Regular Public Meeting.
• [2024-09-24] Presented to the Planning Advisory Committee 
• [2024-11-18] Public hearing and first reading during the November 18 Regular Public Meeting.
• [2024-12-02] Second reading during the December 2 Regular Public Meeting.
• [2024-12-16] Third reading and enactment during December 16 Regular Public Meeting.

Introduce and Encourage Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) ( Completed)

The City will update its zoning bylaw to permit ADU's (Accessory Dwelling Units). An ADU is a separate living space (e.g.: in-law suite) on the same property as the main home.

• [2024-09-16] Presented to Council by Marc Bouffard, Director of Municipal Planning, during September 16 Regular Public Meeting.
• [2024-09-24] Presented to the Planning Advisory Committee
• [2024-11-18] Public hearing and first reading during the November 18 Regular Public Meeting.
• [2024-12-02] Second reading during the December 2 Regular Public Meeting.
• [2024-12-16] Third reading and enactment during December 16 Regular Public Meeting.

NEW: Review of Zoning Bylaw for CMHC Housing Design Catalogue ( In Progress)

The City will review its Zoning Bylaw upon the release of CMHC’s Housing Design Catalogue in 2025 to enable developers to make use of its standardized housing designs.

• Visit CMHC’s Housing Design Catalogue

Building on Our Housing Momentum

With the first year of our HAF action completed, the City has published its Year 1 Report, showcasing the progress made and the milestones achieved. Having been recognized as a top-performing community, and in exchange for the additional funding received, our new target is now 170 permitted units by the end of 2026.

As we move into the next phase, work continues on our newest initiative, ensuring Bathurst stays firmly on track to meet — and surpass — its housing goals. Regular updates will continue to be shared with residents and stakeholders as this important work progresses.

Developers and partners who wish to learn more about the Housing Accelerator Fund are encouraged to contact Chris Legacy, Director of Economic Development at (506) 548-0400 ext. 286 or by email, chris.legacy@bathurst.ca.