Timber frame house under construction. Wikimedia Commons. CC License. Photo by L Maule
EDMONTON — Alberta and the federal government are committing $200 million to build thousands of new affordable homes across the province as Alberta remains the fastest growing province in Canada and continues to lead the country in per capita housing starts.
The funding, delivered through the Affordable Housing Partnership Program, comes as the province prepares for continued population growth. If the two governments proceed as expected with an announcement ending the emissions cap that has limited oilsands expansion, officials say demand for housing will almost certainly rise further.
Jason Nixon, Alberta’s minister responsible for housing, said the investment is aimed at providing stability for families and ensuring low income Albertans have safe, secure homes. He said the new commitment marks the opening of the next intake for the program, which evaluates proposals based on local needs, outcomes for low income residents and value for taxpayers.
Federal Housing Minister Gregor Robertson said the partnership is accelerating construction in communities across Alberta. He said the program is unlocking funding for developers and delivering new homes during a national housing shortage.
Alberta launched the program in 2022 as part of its 10 year Stronger Foundations strategy. More than $443 million has already been invested in more than 20 communities, supporting roughly 4,500 new affordable households. The province says more than 60,000 households currently rely on affordable housing supports, including more than 13,000 receiving rental assistance.
Despite representing less than 12 per cent of Canada’s population, Alberta built nearly one quarter of all housing starts in the country through 2024 and into 2025. The province says it is about halfway toward its goal of supporting 25,000 additional affordable households by 2031.
Applications for the next round of funding under the partnership program are open until Jan. 31, 20
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