Open
Source verified August 15, 2026
Federal Lands Initiative
Provides discounted federal properties for long-term affordable housing development
Latest source updateLast Update: August 15, 2026Latest change: The Rue Houde opportunity now says the competition is closed and proposals are being evaluated, with the submission deadline and site-visit-by date removed from the notice area.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: August 15, 2026
Latest change: The Rue Houde opportunity now says the competition is closed and proposals are being evaluated, with the submission deadline and site-visit-by date removed from the notice area.
Federal Lands opportunity now closed
The Development opportunity within the borough of St-Laurent in Montréal now says the competition for this property is closed and the submitted proposals are being evaluated. The previous notice text with the application deadline and site-visit-by date is no longer shown, and the highlighted instructions no longer display the site-visit contact email.
Funding available
Varies by project
Deadline
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.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Increase social or community impact
- Implement environmental initiatives
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Laval
Legal structures
- Non-financial cooperative
- For-profit business
- Social economy enterprise
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Economic, Social and Community Development
- Housing
Target groups
- All the groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- Municipal
- Provincial
- National
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Mixed-income.
- Mixed-use, with commercial space not exceeding 30% of gross floor area.
- Mixed-tenure.
- Shelters, transitional housing and supportive housing.
- Rental housing and affordable homeownership.
Documents Needed
- Application Guide
- Energy Efficiency Attestation
- Accessibility Attestation
Official resources
Program guide
Application form
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
- Canada
Selection criteria
- Level of affordability offered, including the proportion of units below 80% of Median Market Rent and the length of time affordability is guaranteed.
- Degree of accessibility provided, including the share of accessible units and barrier-free common areas or adherence to full universal design standards.
- Energy efficiency performance, measured against the required tiers of the National Energy Code / National Building Code.
- Evidence that the project responds to a demonstrated community housing need, supported by documentation such as municipal letters, market studies or waiting lists.
- Experience and capacity of the proponent team to deliver and operate a project of similar size and scope, as well as overall financial viability (including meeting the minimum debt coverage ratio).
How to apply
- Creating an Account
- Completing the Application
- Select the program and provide project name
- Enter a Land ID
- Submit your Application
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed after submission and evaluated against affordability, accessibility, environmental efficiency and community need.
- Selection also considers proponent experience and the project proposed.
- Successful applicants sign agreements before the property is transferred or leased.
- Selected properties must be developed and maintained as affordable housing for at least 25 years, or as otherwise specified.
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
Availability timeline
2026
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Federal Lands Initiative Program
What is the 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.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Federal Lands Initiative program?
To be eligible for the 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 Federal Lands Initiative?
Mixed-income.
Mixed-use, with commercial space not exceeding 30% of gross floor area.
Mixed-tenure.
Shelters, transitional housing and supportive housing.
Rental housing and affordable homeownership.
Who can I contact for more information about the Federal Lands Initiative?
You can contact Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) by email at contactcentre@cmhc.ca or by phone at 1-800-668-2642.
Where is the Federal Lands Initiative available?
The Federal Lands Initiative program is available across Canada.
Is the Federal Lands Initiative a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Federal Lands Initiative is a Grant and Funding