Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Guelph is launching a new grant program aimed at accelerating multi-unit housing construction and helping projects move more quickly through the development process.
Starting June 1, the city will accept applications for its Multi-Unit Accelerator Grant, funded with $2 million from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund. The program is intended to help fast-track eligible housing developments before the end of 2026 through quicker permitting timelines.
“Today’s housing market is putting pressure on projects, and we want to make it easier for builders to access funding and get homes built faster,” said Cam Guthrie in a statement. “With the unanimous support of council, and thanks to the federal government’s Housing Accelerator Fund, we’re launching this grant to help projects move ahead. Faster timelines mean new homes built, more people housed, and continued progress on our housing commitments.”
Under the program, developers can receive grants of up to $10,000 per unit up to 20 per cent of the eligible units within a project. Eligible developments must include at least five new self-contained housing units and secure a building permit by Oct. 16.
Funding is expected to help accelerate the development of about 1,000 housing units.
Applications will be accepted from June 1 through July 5, 2026, with funding distributed on a first-come, first-served basis according to submission time.
To learn more, check eligibility and apply for a grant, visit the Multi-Unit Accelerator Grant page or guelph.ca/housing.
