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About the Project

Just like other communities across the Maritimes, Charlottetown is experiencing a housing shortage. Based on annual population estimates provided by Statistics Canada, Charlottetown has become the seventh-fastest-growing city in Canada as of 2023.

The City of Charlottetown received over $10 million in funding from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) through the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) to eliminate barriers to building 300 housing units over the next three years, and more than 1,000 homes over the next decade. The Pre-Approved Housing Design program is one of several initiatives being funded under the HAF.

The purpose of the program is to speed up permit approvals and reduce red tape for new housing by having ready-to-go designs for developers and builders. The focus is on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and gentle infill – so increasing density in already established areas by adding units like secondary/backyard suites and side-by-side duplexes.

We know from our recent Housing Needs Assessment that the biggest gap in the housing market is affordable rental housing – ADU’s can help meet some of that demand.

The City is taking action in many ways to create the environment needed to get more housing built faster, and to incentivize affordable housing options.

What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a small, secondary housing unit built on the same property as a primary home. They provide flexible housing options that can meet a wider range of needs, from creating affordable rental opportunities to offering space for multi-generational living.

Below are examples of different types of ADUs. Our project will include pre-approved housing designs for a standalone suite in the yard (such as a carriage house, garden suite, or backyard suite).

What is Gentle Infill?

Gentle Infill (also known as Gentle Density) refers to small-scale housing development that adds new homes to existing neighbourhoods without significantly impacting their character. Our project will be focused on the development of duplexes to support gentle density.