Housing Accelerator Fund
f a project is viable, there are often costs associated with exploring the existing condition of
the land or structures. This can often be a sticking point for
developing affordable housing with low margins. Developing a grant or loan program to help
developers with engineering or environmental studies would take away some of the financial risks
for exploring a project's feasibility. Who does it affect? This initiative will support non-profit
housing suppliers wanting to explore the feasibility of a project but don’t have the funds for
predevelopment costs. 8. Reduce Council approval for housing-related Discretionary Use
applications. What does this mean? Discretionary use is an application type that evaluates the
compatibility of a proposed land use with the surrounding area based on particular thresholds (e.g.
height). The review process involves technical analysis, public notice and input with the decision
to approve the application resting with either a Development Officer or City Council. The City is
updating the Zoning Bylaw to reduce the number of housing-related discretionary use applications
and provide greater certainty in the building and construction process. City staff will still
complete a comprehensive review of all development applications and, where rezoning is required or
where the development exceeds or otherwise does not meet the permitted use criteria for the zone
(e.g. height, setbacks, massing), additional analysis, consultation and approvals will still be
required. Why is it important? Undertaking a discretionary use application can be a lengthy
process, taking up to six months, with no guarantee that the application will be approved. This
delay costs time and money to the developer or building owner, and increases uncertainty, which can
discourage them from proceeding with their project. Who does it affect? This will benefit those who
may need to submit a discretionary use application for a housing-related project. They will have
greater certainty as to whether their proposed project can proceed in a shorter amount of time,
encouraging them to submit a permit application. 9. Create a process to dispose of City-owned land
to develop affordable housing. What does this mean? The City will create a process for selling or
developing City-owned land that can be utilized for affordable housing. Why is it important? The
City's land assets provide a unique opportunity to support the development of affordable housing.
Whether it is gifted to a community land bank or a non-profit developer, it provides desperately
needed land for this purpose. Who does it affect? Those who live around the property will benefit
from the development of underutilized land. It will also benefit groups and agencies that want to
develop affordable housing but cannot access land. 10. Align infrastructure planning in the City
Centre and central neighbourhoods. What does this mean? By aligning our long-term infrastructure
plans with our need for additional housing units, we can unlock lots and sites prime for
residential development. Why is it important? Every city in North America struggles with
infrastructure deficits. This means municipalities have a large demand for infrastructure upgrades
and extensions. With HAF funds specifically targeted to areas where housing could be added or
densified by expanding the existing infrastructure or adding additional services, we can bring many
new housing units online. Who does it affect? Expanded or new infrastructure will ultimately
benefit everyone as we lessen the demands on existing infrastructure to accommodate additional
growth. 11. Update the Development Charges Model to support long-term housing growth. What does
this mean? Our City utilizes development charges to assist with the buildout of either new
developments or infill development projects. These fees help to pay for the City’s infrastructure
costs for supporting the proposed development and growth. Why is it important? There is an
important balance when it comes to development fees charges. You must ensure that you cover the
city’s expenditure but don’t discourage new projects. We received feedback from industry
stakeholders that the City’s current approach was not working. In response to this feedback, a
Development Charges Review was undertaken to address identified concerns and issues. Who does it
effect? This affects everyone in our city as it determines growth for the future. Timeline Below is
a timeline of activities related to our HAF Application and Action Plan. 2023 March Housing
Accelerator Fund launched by the Federal Government June City Council directed Administration to
submit HAF application with action plan November City Council passed motion directing
Administration to amend HAF application increasing residential development permissions citywide and
prepare bylaw amendments to support this change. 2024 February City signs an agreement with the
Federal government for $35.2 Million under the Housing Accelerator Fund. City Council approves
Phase 1 of the zoning bylaw changes to support HAF Initiatives. April City Council approves Phase 2
of the zoning bylaw changes to support HAF Initiatives. June City Council approves Phase 3 of the
zoning bylaw changes to support HAF Initiatives. July City Council approves the report updating the
Development Charges Model to support HAF initiatives. September City Council approves amendments to
Neighbourhood Plans to align with previous zoning bylaw changes and support implementation of the
City's HAF initiatives. 2025 January Housing Needs Assessment Report to be presented to council for
approval. February HAF pilot programs for office conversion, pre-development grants and rent repair
for non-profits to be presented to council. TBD Zoning Bylaw updates to enable more development
opportunities and increase user experience with the document. This will continue to advance HAF
Actions #1-4 and 8. default Types of Housing HAF supports the building and development of various
types of housing. This gallery provides a visual guide to show examples of the kinds of housing we
already have in our city and others that we would see more of as a result of our HAF initiatives.
The models shown are for reference only. Actual development and design may vary. Triplex Cottage
Court Photo credit: Missing Middle Housing/ Daniel Parolek Photo credit: Missing Middle Housing/
Daniel Parolek Duplex Stacked Live Work Photo credit: Missing Middle Housing/ Daniel Parolek Photo
credit: Missing Middle Housing/ Daniel Parolek Photo credit: Missing Middle Housing/ Daniel Parolek
Townhouse Photo credit: Missing Middle Housing/ Daniel Parolek Fourplex Photo credit: Union Studio
Architecture/ Nat Rea Cottage Court Photo credit: Missing Middle Housing/ Daniel Parolek Photo
credit: Missing Middle Housing/ Daniel Parolek Triplex Live Work Photo credit: Union Studio
Architecture/ Nat Rea Duplex Stacked Duplex SBS Photo credit: Missing Middle Housing/ Daniel
Parolek Photo credit: Missing Middle Housing/ Daniel Parolek Townhouse Live Work Duplex SBS The
models shown are for reference only. Actual development and design may vary. Photo credit: Missing
Middle Housing/ Daniel Parolek Photo credit: Missing Middle Housing/ Daniel Parolek Frequently
Asked Questions Expand each question below to learn more about the Housing Accelerator Fund. What
are the requirements for participating in the Housing Accelerator Fund? Canada Mortgage and Housing
Corporation (CMHC) outlined 10 best practices for communities to consider when developing their HAF
Action Plans. They are as follows: End exclusionary zoning. ...
Design Standard - Wastewater
View the Design Standard Manual - Wastewater
2023 Culture New Initiative Follow-up Report
View the 2023 Culture New Initiative Follow-up Report.
Culture Grant New Initiative Follow-Up Report
This follow-up report must be submitted within 90 days of the completion of your initiative to receive the remaining funding.
Irrigation Systems
View the Standard Construction Specification for Irrigation Systems.
Road Maintenance & Construction
nded for locations where the pedestrian network can be connected to existing transit routes,
multi-use pathways and/or schools, focusing on important points that
connect the City’s pedestrian network. Locations are identified based on four guiding principles:
Reduce risk & improve safety for pedestrians Enhance connectivity Accessibility System
maintenance Transportation Operations Installing and upgrading traffic and pedestrian signals to
ensure the safety of the travelling public. Traffic Engineering Provide a safe, efficient and
environmentally sustainable traffic system for the movement of people and goods on City streets.
Establish and maintain technical credibility in preparing and reviewing transportation improvement
plans with Council, Committees of Council, Community Associations and the general public. Develop
and maintain the Traffic Bylaw to be legally sound and enforceable. Improve the transportation
system through changes to traffic signals by installing new signals, changing signal phasing,
signal timing, and progression to improve traffic flow and safety. Prepare parking plans which
ensure traffic operations efficiencies and reflect the needs of neighbouring residences, business
operators and institutions. Ensure the adequacy and effectiveness of all traffic control signs,
pavement markings, expressway lighting and streetlights. Develop and maintain plans and systems to
ensure a safe and accessible environment for all road users including vehicular, pedestrian and
micro mobility (bicycles and e-scooters). Maintain the Red Light Camera Program which now includes
rolling right turn on red light and the Automated Speed Enforcement Program. Adopted a Vision Zero
approach to road safety in 2024 with the goal to reduce all injuries and fatalities on the road
network. Lead and coordinate countermeasures to achieve this goal which are spread across many
internal and external stakeholders. Implement the internal countermeasures that include but are not
limited to traffic calming, enhanced pavement markings, pedestrian crossing upgrades, traffic
signal upgrades, community safety zones, and safety/educational campaigns. Temporary Traffic
Control Manual Road Report Standard Construction Specifications Potholes
Name Your Drain Contest Rules & Regulations
View the Name Your Drain Contest Rules & Regulations.
Record of Decision - APPROVAL
View the Record of Decision - 4801 Optimist Drive
Energy Efficient Retrofits
r example, natural gas furnaces or water heaters are not covered. Other specific eligibility
criteria can be found on the Greener Homes Grant Program website.
The Saskatchewan government does offer a Home Renovation Tax Credit that may cover some of the
ineligible expenses. How many homes need to be retrofitted in Regina? As of 2022, approximately
61,000 residential homes will require retrofits for Regina to reach its goal of becoming 100 per
cent renewable and net-zero by 2050. If I have questions who do I contact? Email
RenewableRegina@regina.ca What are the key deadlines for the Residential Retrofit Rebate Program?
Initial Application deadline is June 30, 2022 at 12:01 p.m. Deadline to submit pre-retrofit
EnerGuide home evaluation is December 31, 2022 Final deadline to complete work and submit
confirmation of funding from the Canada Greener Homes Program is July 31, 2023. How does this
program relate to Regina’s goal of becoming renewable? Regina’s Energy & Sustainability
Framework identifies Building Retrofits as one of the seven Big Moves that will enable Regina to
achieve its goal of being a renewable, net-zero city by 2050. The Residential Retrofit Rebate
Program also encourages action related to two other Big Moves – Clean Heating and Renewable Energy
Generation. Where can I get involved in Renewable Regina initiatives? Sign up or follow the
Renewable Regina 2050 project on Be Heard Regina to stay up to date and be involved in future
community activities.
Frequently Asked Questions