The federal government announced the first co-operative housing projects to receive funding under the new Co-operative Housing Development Program (CHDP), a $1.5 billion initiative designed to support the creation of new co-op housing across the country.
Through the first application window, $423 million in funding has been allocated to support eight new co-ops, creating a total of 837 new homes. The first three projects, which are the most advanced in their development process, will receive formal funding agreements this month, representing $81 million in funding to build 206 units of new co-op housing. The other projects receiving funding will be announced in the following months.
Located in Upper Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia, the Upper Hammonds Plains Housing Co-operative project received $61.2 million for 136 row house units, primarily dedicated to Black Canadians. Developed through a partnership between the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust and the Upper Hammonds Plains Housing Co-operative, this project will not only provide housing but also foster community engagement and cultural connection.
In the Town of Perth, Ontario, Linden Housing Co-operative will receive $12.3 million to create 38 units, including 36 newly constructed homes and 2 units within an existing house. This project will include 8 accessible units and will target 8 units for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, providing housing to those most in need.
Led by the Valley Roots Housing Association, the Highbury Road project in New Minas, Nova Scotia will receive $7.1 million for 32 homes, including both apartments and townhomes. With a focus on energy efficiency, the homes will feature passive solar design to achieve net-zero performance.