APCHQ — Get financing through the Canada Greener Affordable Housing program: Pre-Retrofit Funding for multi-unit residential buildings

Who is eligible?

• Community housing providers (non-profit housing organizations, public housing agencies, rental co-operatives)
• Indigenous governments and organizations (including First Nations, Tribal Councils, Indigenous housing providers)
• Provincial governments
• Territorial governments
• Municipal governments

Who is not eligible

• Private market housing organizations that do not have an affordable housing purpose or proven mandate to serve lower-income households or populations in need.

Eligible expenses

• Costs for a building condition assessment (BCA) report.
• Fees for an energy audit (ASHRAE Level 3 or equivalent).
• Expenses for an energy modelling study.
• Professional fees for project drawings and technical specifications.
• Engineering study costs related to planned retrofits.
• Preparation of construction cost estimates for the retrofit work.
• Costs to develop a business case demonstrating the retrofit’s benefits or impacts.
• Environmental site assessment or hazardous materials report expenses.
• Site survey fees required to plan the retrofit.

Eligible geographic areas

• Organizations located anywhere in Canada, as this is a federal program administered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
• Indigenous, Northern or remote communities within Canada, which may benefit from flexibility on building age requirements.

• Examination of project eligibility by CMHC, including compliance with program requirements.
• Possible ranking of projects in order of priority following the application submission period.
• Processing of new applications on a "first-come, first-served" basis when the portal reopens and funds remain available.
• Assessment of the completeness of the file, a prerequisite for issuing a contribution agreement.

• Step 1: Preparation Before the Submission Period
  • Become familiar with the required documents for the application before the submission period opens.
  • Gather information about the property, including the characteristics of the residential complex.
  • Prepare the necessary financial information related to the project.
  • Identify and describe the activities prior to the renovations for which funding is requested.
• Step 2: Consult Guides and Checklists
  • Consult the program's highlights sheet.
  • Review the checklist of required documents.
  • Read the Applicant Guide to understand the complete process.
  • Download, save, and review the online portal guide to learn about the steps for creating a profile and submission.
• Step 3: Access the Online Application Portal
  • Go to the CMHC online application portal dedicated to the program.
  • Create a profile on the portal if necessary, following the instructions in the portal guide.
  • Log in to the portal to begin the application process.
• Step 4: Prepare Quotes for Pre-Activities
  • Prepare a separate quote for each eligible activity prior to the renovations for which funding is requested.
  • Include in each quote an estimated start date and completion date for the activity.
  • Ensure that key activities (EEB, ASHRAE 3 energy assessment or equivalent, energy modeling analysis) are scheduled or have already been completed, as applicable.
• Step 5: Complete the Online Application
  • Fill out the application form on the portal by providing the property information.
  • Enter the required financial information in the designated sections.
  • Describe the requested activities and enter the amounts corresponding to the prepared quotes.
  • Attach the required documents, according to the checklist.
• Step 6: Mandatory Documents to Attach
  • Complete and attach the Integrity Declaration required by CMHC.
  • Attach other supporting documents listed in the checklist (e.g., reports or studies already available, if applicable).
• Step 7: Submit the Application via the Portal
  • Check the accuracy and completeness of all the information entered in the portal.
  • Ensure that all required documents are uploaded.
  • Formally submit the application on the CMHC portal before the end of the submission period.
• Step 8: Application Review by CMHC
  • Wait for the CMHC to review the project's eligibility, which may take as little as 30 days after the end of the submission period.
  • Keep in mind that projects may be prioritized as needed.
• Step 9: Receive the Contribution Agreement
  • Receive a contribution agreement confirming conditional approval of the funding if the application is deemed complete.
  • Note that this agreement is usually sent within 30 days following the end of the submission period.
• Step 10: Preparation for Disbursements
  • Prepare and provide the required documents at least 10 days before each scheduled disbursement date.
  • Follow the instructions in the contribution agreement regarding the advance request process and supporting documentation to be sent to CMHC.
  • Submit invoices for eligible expenses during the same fiscal year as the approval.
• Step 11: Support and Questions (Optional)
  • If needed, contact a regional CMHC specialist for additional support on the application or follow-up process.

• The application portal is currently closed; CMHC may consider re-opening it if funds remain after reviewing existing applications.
• Future Pre-Retrofit Funding application call-out windows, when opened, will each remain open for 60 days.
• The overall envelope for this program is $19.5 million in contributions, available through a call-out, application-based process.
• Applicants are expected to submit invoices for approved expenses within the same fiscal year in which their project was approved.