Build Canada Homes frequently asked questions

Build Canada Homes is designed to accelerate affordable housing development by:

1. Unlocking multi-year pipelines of projects through the portfolio approach,
2. Leveraging modern methods of construction such as factory-built housing, and
3. Building on public lands to deliver more affordable homes faster.

By combining flexible financing, access to land, and development expertise under one roof, Build Canada Homes will reduce project risk and attract private investment.

It acts as a one-stop-shop for proponents at every phase of the development process, working in close partnership with developers, investors, manufacturers, other orders of government and Indigenous partners to get housing financed and built.

Indigenous communities face significant affordable housing needs. Build Canada Homes will work with Indigenous partners to drive long-term affordable housing solutions that respect Indigenous leadership and knowledge and complement other federal and Indigenous-led housing investments, including on- and off-reserve Indigenous housing programs and distinctions-based housing strategies.

Implementation of Build Canada Homes will respect the Government of Canada's constitutional and policy commitments to upholding the honour of the Crown, rights recognition, and furthering relationships with Indigenous peoples, including duty to consult. In delivering on its mandate, Build Canada Homes will seek opportunities to advance reconciliation and work proactively with Indigenous partners. Ongoing engagement with Indigenous partners will help inform the evolving design of Build Canada Homes and its approach to advancing Indigenous housing.

On April 24, 2026, the Government of Canada confirmed that Build Canada Homes will lead the delivery of approximately $1.7 billion in funding to support Indigenous housing providers serving Indigenous Peoples living in urban, rural and northern areas across Canada.

By increasing the availability of affordable and deeply affordable housing, Build Canada Homes will help create more options to help people exit homelessness, and prevent them from experiencing homelessness in the first place.

In particular, Build Canada Homes is deploying $1 billion to build supportive and transitional housing. It will collaborate with provincial, territorial, municipal, and Indigenous partners to pair these federal investments with employment and health care supports.

Over 100 interested partners and stakeholders have provided input, including:

• Project proponents
• Private and community housing providers
• Developers and manufacturers leveraging modern methods of construction such as factory-built housing
• Provincial, territorial and municipal governments
• Indigenous governments and partners
• Financial institutions
• Academics and research organizations
• Institutional investors and other sources of private capital

Ensuring Build Canada Homes invests in housing that is owned and operated by non-market housing providers is key for ensuring homes are affordable for the long term. These mission driven organizations will do all they can to deliver affordability for their tenants.

Keeping public land under public ownership by leasing rather than selling is also a key measure that can help ensure long-term affordability, by ensuring the land continues to be used for a public purpose.

Additionally, Build Canada Homes will partner with the private sector on mixed-market housing projects that prioritize affordable housing. This approach is essential to making projects financially viable over the long term, while ensuring that affordable homes remain truly affordable. By blending market and non-market housing, Build Canada Homes can unlock new sources of capital, reduce reliance on public subsidies, and create inclusive communities that are built to last.

Smaller organizations will be encouraged to team up to create larger project portfolios, and provinces and territories will play a key role in bringing together projects from across their jurisdictions, including rural and remote areas.

Build Canada Homes' Investment Policy Framework, which provides details on the types of projects and strategies Build Canada homes will fund, will ensure these communities are well served by the Build Canada Homes model.

On April 24, 2026, the Government of Canada confirmed that Build Canada Homes will lead the delivery of approximately $1.7 billion in funding to support Indigenous housing providers serving Indigenous Peoples living in urban, rural and northern areas across Canada.

Questions can be sent to BCHInquires-DemandeMC@infc.gc.ca.

Build Canada Homes released its Investment Policy Framework which details the types of investments it will prioritize, and forms the basis for project intakes and funding decisions.

You can submit a proposal through the Build Canada Homes submission portal, the official platform for affordable housing projects. Proposals are accepted on an ongoing basis. Submit your proposal today.

Build Canada Homes does not negotiate or secure operating funding on behalf of proponents. Build Canada Homes provides capital financing and development support for affordable housing projects.

Proponents are responsible for identifying and securing ongoing operating funding—including funding for support services—through provincial, territorial, municipal, or other partners. Build Canada Homes encourages early coordination with local and regional funding partners as part of project planning.

There is no minimum unit threshold for project eligibility. Smaller scale projects may be considered where they address demonstrated housing needs, reflect local conditions, and align with Build Canada Homes priorities.

Build Canada Homes supports affordable housing projects of varying sizes and typologies, including projects in rural, remote, northern, and Indigenous communities.

Build Canada Homes welcomes proposals led by or developed in partnership with:

• Indigenous governments and organizations
• Rural and remote municipalities
• Non‑profit and community housing providers

Build Canada Homes works with partners to tailor delivery approaches that reflect regional realities, including logistical, labour, and infrastructure considerations.

Build Canada Homes supports the building and financing of supportive and transitional housing, including housing that serves women and girls.

While Build Canada Homes does not fund emergency shelter operations, many organizations that use the term “shelter” may still be eligible where the housing model includes:

• Private or self-contained living spaces
• No fixed or mandatory end date to residency
• On‑site or linked supportive and wrap‑around services (such as legal support, income assistance, childcare, employment support, or health services)

Organizations serving women and girls—including those that describe their housing as emergency, transitional, or supportive—are encouraged to submit proposals where the housing model provides stable, longer-term accommodation with supports.

Affordable or non‑market housing refers to homes that are not rented or sold for profit. These homes are typically owned and operated by:

• Non‑profit organizations
• Co‑operatives
• Indigenous housing providers
• Public or community housing agencies

Rents or purchase prices are kept affordable over the long term, often linked to household income rather than market rates.

Supporting non‑market housing is a core part of Build Canada Homes’ mandate to expand deeply affordable and community housing across Canada.