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APCHQ — Federal Lands Initiative
Provides discounted federal properties for long-term affordable housing development
Last Update: March 6, 2026
Funding available
Up to 30% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Location
Laval, Canada
Overview
The Federal Lands Initiative is a $318.9‑million program that supports the transfer or leasing of surplus federal lands and buildings at discounted or no cost for the development or renovation of affordable, sustainable and accessible housing. Eligible activities include acquiring surplus federal property and constructing or rehabilitating mixed-income, mixed-use, rental, supportive, transitional, shelter and affordable homeownership housing projects that meet affordability, accessibility, energy efficiency and community need requirements.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Obtain certifications or accreditations
- Reduce environmental footprint
Eligible Funding
- Up to 30% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Laval
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- All industries
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Development of new affordable, sustainable, accessible and socially inclusive housing on surplus federal lands or in surplus federal buildings.
- Renovation or conversion of existing surplus federal buildings into affordable housing that meets community needs.
- Creation of mixed-income residential projects on federal properties, combining affordable units with other market-rate housing.
- Development of mixed-use projects on federal sites that combine affordable housing with limited commercial space (up to 30% of the gross floor area).
- Implementation of specialized affordable housing projects such as shelters, transitional housing, supportive housing, rental housing or affordable homeownership on surplus federal lands.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Community housing organizations
- Non-profit organizations and registered charities
- Co-operative housing organizations
- Municipal, provincial and territorial governments and their agencies
- Indigenous governments and organizations, including Tribal Councils
- For-profit organizations
Eligible geographic areas
- Organizations located anywhere in Canada, as this is a federal program administered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
Additional information
- The Federal Lands Initiative is a $318.9 million fund that facilitates the transfer or leasing of surplus federal lands and buildings specifically for affordable housing development or renovation.
- Properties made available can be transferred or leased at discounted or no cost, with the level of discount tied to the social outcomes proposed.
- Participating projects must ensure that the property remains developed and maintained as affordable housing for at least 25 years, or as otherwise specified in the agreements.
- The program is led by CMHC in collaboration with Public Services and Procurement Canada, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada, and Canada Lands Company.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the APCHQ — Federal Lands Initiative Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the APCHQ — Federal Lands Initiative. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the APCHQ — Federal Lands Initiative?
The Federal Lands Initiative is a $318.9‑million program that supports the transfer or leasing of surplus federal lands and buildings at discounted or no cost for the development or renovation of affordable, sustainable and accessible housing. Eligible activities include acquiring surplus federal property and constructing or rehabilitating mixed-income, mixed-use, rental, supportive, transitional, shelter and affordable homeownership housing projects that meet affordability, accessibility, energy efficiency and community need requirements.
How much funding can be received?
APCHQ — Federal Lands Initiative Funds up to 30% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the APCHQ — Federal Lands Initiative program?
To be eligible for the APCHQ — Federal Lands Initiative program, you must:
Applicant must be a housing provider such as community housing, non-profit, charity, co-operative, government body, Indigenous organization or for-profit entity.
Applicant or team must have at least 5 years’ experience in construction/renovation and operation of similar-sized housing projects.
Project must meet minimum affordability, accessibility, energy efficiency, community-need and financial viability (DCR ≥ 1.10) requirements.
What expenses are eligible under APCHQ — Federal Lands Initiative?
Development of new affordable, sustainable, accessible and socially inclusive housing on surplus federal lands or in surplus federal buildings.
Renovation or conversion of existing surplus federal buildings into affordable housing that meets community needs.
Creation of mixed-income residential projects on federal properties, combining affordable units with other market-rate housing.
Development of mixed-use projects on federal sites that combine affordable housing with limited commercial space (up to 30% of the gross floor area).
Implementation of specialized affordable housing projects such as shelters, transitional housing, supportive housing, rental housing or affordable homeownership on surplus federal lands.
Who can I contact for more information about the APCHQ — Federal Lands Initiative?
You can contact Association des professionnels de la construction et de l’habitation du Québec (APCHQ) by email at contactcentre@cmhc.ca or by phone at 1-800-668-2642.
Where is the APCHQ — Federal Lands Initiative available?
The APCHQ — Federal Lands Initiative program is available across Canada.
Is the APCHQ — Federal Lands Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?
APCHQ — Federal Lands Initiative is a Grant and Funding