2024-10-08 Growth Committee Agenda Packet - Open Session
Growth Committee Meeting
Open Session
July 16, 2024
MINUTES OPEN SESSION GROWTH COMMITTEE MEETING
JULY 16, 2024, AT 11:30 A.M.
MEETING CONDUCTED THROUGH ELECTRONIC PARTICIPATION
Present: Deputy Mayor John MacKenzie (Chair)
Mayor Donna Noade Reardon
Councillor Gerry Lowe
Councillor Berry Ogden
Councillor Brent Harris
Also
Present: Councillor Paula Radwan
Chief Administrative Officer B. McGovern
Acting Growth Commissioner,
Director Growth and Community Planning D. Dobbelsteyn
Director, Community Planning & Housing P. Nalavde
Director of Development and Community Standards C. McKiel
Manager Growth T. Ferlatte
Director Transit & Fleet Ian MacKinnon
Director Legal J. Boucher
Manager Real Estate B. McPhee
Manager Community Standards Compliance B. Purinton
Project Manager Housing Accelerator Fund C. Smith
Manager Operations Fleet K. Loughery
Manager Communications E. White
Deputy Clerk P. Anglin
Administrative Assistant A. MacLean
1. Meeting Called to Order
Chair Deputy Mayor MacKenzie called the Growth Committee closed session meeting to order.
2. Approval of Minutes
2.1 Minutes of May 28, 2024
Moved by Councillor Harris, seconded by Councillor Lowe:
RESOLVED the minutes of May 28, 2024, be approved.
MOTION CARRIED.
3. Approval of Agenda
Moved by Councillor Harris, seconded by Councillor Lowe:
RESOLVED that the agenda of July 16, 2024, be approved.
MOTION CARRIED.
4. Disclosures of Conflict of Interest
No disclosures.
5. Consent Agenda (Recommendation: Receive for Information)
Moved by Councillor Lowe, seconded by Councillor Harris:
RESOLVED that the presentation entitled Special Events 2024 be received for information.
Growth Committee Meeting
Open Session
July 16, 2024
MOTION CARRIED.
6. Delegations/Presentations
Brenda Lee entered the meeting.
6.1 Age-Friendly Communities
Community Coordinator for Age-friendly Communities of New Brunswick Brenda Lee provided an
overview of the submitted presentation entitled . She
further expanded on how their organization promotes quality of life and well-being for older adults
and how it positively impacts the community.
Moved by Councillor Harris, seconded by Councillor Lowe:
RESOLVED that the Growth Committee direct staff to return with a recommendation at a
subsequent meeting of the Growth Committee.
MOTION CARRIED.
Brenda Lee exited the meeting.
6.2 ABC Report - Saint John Transit Commission
Manager Loughery provided an overview of the submitted presentation entitled Modernizing
Transit Service Through Continued Redesign: . He highlighted some of the key
positive developments in 2023 and presented certain challenges that Saint John Transit is
currently facing.
Moved by Mayor Noade Reardon, seconded by Councillor Lowe:
RESOLVED that the submitted report
be received for information.
MOTION CARRIED.
7. Business Matters
7.1 Housing Accelerator Progress Update
Manager Smith provided an overview of the submitted presentation entitled
. She also highlighted some strategic initiatives being taken to increase
the local housing supply.
Moved by Councillor Lowe, seconded by Mayor Noade Reardon:
RESOLVED that presentation entitled Housing Accelerator Project Progress Update be
received for information.
MOTION CARRIED.
7.2 Community Enhancement Project Update
Manager Community Standards Compliance team Purinton provided an overview of the submitted
presentation entitled Community Standards Compliance: Mid-.
Moved by Mayor Noade Reardon, seconded by Councillor Lowe:
RESOLVED that presentation entitled Community Standards Compliance: Mid-year Updatebe
received for information.
MOTION CARRIED.
7.3 Growth at a Glance
Moved by Councillor Harris, seconded by Councillor Ogden:
RESOLVED that Development Infographic: Growth at a Glance January to June 2023 be
received for information.
Growth Committee Meeting
Open Session
July 16, 2024
MOTION CARRIED.
8. Referrals from Common Council
9. Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Harris, seconded by Councillor Ogden:
RESOLVED that the meeting of July 16, 2024, be adjourned.
MOTION CARRIED.
The open session meeting of the Growth Committee held on July 16, 2024, was adjourned at
12:50 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anna MacLean, Recording Secretary
GROWTH AT A GLANCE
Development
permits received:
Building permit
564
595590553524510564
(5-year average same period: 554)
201920202021202220232024
SEPTEMBER
Value of
$117.8 million
projects
(5-year average same period: $83.5 million)
created
Building &
Development
564
404
25
(5-year average
Upcoming
same period: 273)
21
Infrastructure
17 projects with over
168
186
1,500 new units
Plumbing
planned.
189
57
Planning
Heritage
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CROISSANCE EN UN COUP D’ŒIL
Development
permits received:
Demandes de permis
564
de construire reçues
590
595553524510564
(moyenne sur 5 ans pour la même période : 554)
201920202021202220232024
SEPTEMBRE
Valeur des
117.8 millions de dollars
projets de
(moyenne sur 5 ans pour la même période : 83.5 millions de dollars)
Nombre d’unités
permis supplémentaire
autorisées créées
développement
564
404
(moyenne sur 5
25
Puit et carrière
ans pour la même
À venir
21
Infrastructure
période : 273)
17 projets avec plus
168
186
de 1500 nouvelles
Plomberie
unités prévus.
189
57
Patrimoine
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GROWTH COMMITTEEREPORT
Report DateOctober 04, 2024
Meeting DateOctober 08, 2024
Service AreaGrowth and Community
Services
Chair MacKenzie and Members of the Growth Committee
SUBJECT: Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Grant Program
OPEN OR CLOSED SESSION
This matter is to be discussed in Growth Committee Open Session.
AUTHORIZATION
Primary AuthorCommissioner/Dept. HeadChief Administrative Officer
Andrew ReidAmy Poffenroth/J. Brent McGovern
Pankaj Nalavde
d
RECOMMENDATION
The Growth Committee recommends that Common Counciladopt the Housing
Accelerator Fund (HAF) Grant Program Policy as generally presented to
th
Committee at their October 8, 2024 meeting.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
As directed by the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Action Plan, this report
recommends adoption of a HAFGrant Program. The Program will help the City
achieve increased housing supply over the next three years, in alignment with
the goals of the Municipal Plan. The Program is comprised ofthree key grant
streams:
1.Construction Challenges Grant -Address specific challenges to developing
in Saint Johnsuch as rock breakingduring site preparation. $10,000/unit
up to 15 units.
2.Missing Middle Housing Grant -Incentivize missing middle housing forms
to help create more attainable housing, including small footprint
townhouses and semi-detached unitswith secondary suites.$5,000/unit
up to $150,000 per application.
3.Revitalizing Rental Stock Grant -Incentivize the remediation and
revitalization of existing housing stockinto affordable housing.
$10,000/unit up to $50,000 per application.
The HAF Grant program is a temporaryprogram that will be in place between
2024-2026 until all funds are committed. The Programwill score applications at
regular quarterly intervals to ensure that funding is disbursed to projects that are
- 2 -
most in alignment with the goals of the City and of the HAF Action Plan. Once
conditionally approved, applicants will have 6 months to submit a building
permit. Following issuance of permit, the applicant will enter into a grant
agreement with the City and work must begin within 6 months. All projects must
reach a major milestone of completion, such as pouring of foundation prior to
April 2027.
PREVIOUS RESOLUTION
On December 18, 2023, Common Council resolved that the City of Saint John
enter into a Housing Accelerator Fund Contribution Agreement with Canada
Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC).
On July 10, 2023, Common Council directed staff to submit a City of Saint John
Housing Accelerator Fund application to Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation
(CMHC) generally in the form as presented to the Committee of the Whole and
subject to attestation by the Chief Financial Officer. The HAF Action Plan was
presented to Common Council in Open Session.
On May 22, 2024, members of Finance Committee approved the 2024 Budget
recommendation for funding received as part of the Housing Accelerator Fund.
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
Common Council has established five priorities for their 2021-2026 term. The HAF
Grant Program will contribute toward the following Council Priorities by helping
to incentivize new housing supply to meet the unprecedented current growth
levels.
Grow:
Population Growth
o Grow our population at a rate of 2% annually by the end of
Belong:
Livable Neighbourhoods
o Facilitate a mix of affordable housing in all of our neighbourhoods.
REPORT
The HAF Grant Program
The Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Grant Program is a temporary program to
support residential development Agreement
with Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC). In addition to developer
engagement undertaken at the developer symposium held in 2024, the Program
was based upon key findings of the 2024 Residential Market Study and lessons
learned through past municipal incentive programs. The Program is comprised of
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three grant streams highlighted in the attached presentation: Construction
Challenges Grant, Missing Middle Housing Grant, and Revitalizing Rental Grant.
The objectives of any incentive program must acknowledge that the market is the
greatest factor influencing development. The HAF Grant Program seeks to
complement market conditions and spur development that might not be achieved
over the next three years.
The objectives of past development incentive programs have proved successful in
such aims as promoting development on municipal services, and infill and vacant
building redevelopment within the Central Peninsula geography. The HAF Grant
Program has taken the lessons learned from these past programs and applied
them more broadly.
With recent population increases, the City is now seeing an unprecedented level
of housing demand. At the same time, developers are facing significant
construction cost challenges to meet this demand, as documented in the
Residential Market Study. The Housing Accelerator Fundstimulate
new housing supply at the municipal level. The CityAction Plan consists of
eight initiatives that will drive systemic change. The HAF Grant Program has been
developed to implement two of these initiatives: Initiatives 2 Housing Concierge
and Initiative 3 Unlock Gentle Density. The Program will complement the
Affordable Housing Grant Program, re-launched earlier this year, which targets
creation of deeply affordable housing units.
The HAF Program also presents an opportunity to influence the kind of new
development and through:
Supporting complete communities and the intensification goals of the
Municipal Plan,
Encouraging smaller/denser building forms that may provide more
inherently affordable homeownership opportunities; and
Encouraging the redevelopment of existing building stock
Encouraging more energy efficiency, affordability, accessibility, and
innovative practice in commercial real estate and the construction
industry.
It is important to launch the HAF Grant Program as soon as possible given the
timeline constraints on HAF funding outlined in the Service and Financial
Outcomes section. At the same time the HAF Program was being prepared, the
City entered into a process of selecting a consultant to conduct a development
incentive review exercise. This exercise will provide a comprehensive review of
past incentives, municipal benchmarks, and recommendations on future incentive
programs. As the incentive review exercise is still underway, information gathered
through the HAF Grant Program, combined with the incentives review will help
inform and improve future municipal development incentive programs.
- 4 -
Application Evaluation, Awarding, and Reporting
Applications will be evaluated by a staff Grant Committee at regular
quarterly intervals. The first grant intake will open following the adoption
of the Program and remain open for a 1.5-month period. In addition to
meeting Program eligibility requirements, all applications must obtain a
minimum of 55 points out of 100.
Once issued a conditional letter of approval, which a developer can help
use to finance the project, the City and developer will enter into a grant
agreement.
Projects must submit a complete building permit application within 6
months of applying for a grant.
All projects must reach a major milestone such as pouring of foundation
prior to April, 2027 to remain eligible for the grant.
Most projects will be disbursed the grant upon reaching the major
milestone.
Staff will report regularly to Growth Committee on HAF Grant Program progress
and outcomes. All grantees will be required to submit an Outcomes Report that
indicates how funding was used. These reports will be made available to the public
for transparency.
SERVICE AND FINANCIAL OUTCOMES
Budgeting for the HAF Grant Program
Up to half of the $9,182,646.80 that the City will be receiving from CMHC has been
earmarked toward grants to support new development through the Affordable
Housing Grant Program/Soft Cost Program and HAF Grant Program. This is
important to ensure that the City meets its housing supply growth target, in
addition to fulfilling the relevant milestones in the HAF Action Plan.
HAF Funding Conditions
- HAF Funding is paid to the City according to the following timeline.
- three-
year housing supply growth target (1,124 units permitted), as well as
achievement of the following sub targets: 164 missing middle units, 805
multi-unit other, 101 affordable units.
- All HAF funding must be used by January 2, 2028.
Advance Estimated Date Amount
First January 2, 2024 $2.29 million
Second February 2025 $2.29 million
Third February 2026 $2.29 million
Fourth February 2027 $2.29 million
Given the above schedule, the HAF Program has been designed to target
developments that are in the approval pipeline or already shovel ready.
- 5 -
As with existing incentive programs, staff will ensure that no grant payment is
made to developers unless it has been budgeted. Furthermore, no payment will
be made until the required funding has been received from CMHC. Finance
Committee has approved the 2024 HAF budget in the amount of $3,305,802.
Going forward, t
operating budget for 2025-2027 budget years.
INPUT FROM OTHER SERVICE AREAS AND STAKEHOLDERS
The HAF Grant Program was created with community and developer input
leveraged from engagement through recent plans and strategies including the
2022 Affordable Housing Action Plan and 2024 Residential Market Study. Staff also
conducted direct engagement with developers, including through a developer
symposium attended by 91 individuals. Feedback was also gathered from Envision
Saint John and One Stop Development Shop staff.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 HAF Grant Program Policy
Attachment 2 HAF Grant Program Presentation
Attachment 3 HAF Grant Program - Application Form
Attachment 4 HAF Grant Program - Grant Agreement Template
Title: HAF Grant Program Policy
Subject: Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Grant Category: Growth and Community Services
Program Policy
Policy No.: GDS-XXX M&C Report No.: XXX
Effective Date: 2024-xx-xx Next Review Date: 2027
Area(s) this policy applies to: Growth and Community Office Responsible for review of this Policy:
Services
Community Planning and Housing, Growth and
Community Services
Related Instruments: Policy Sponsors:
M&C 2021-343 Urban Development Incentives Policy Commissioner of Growth and Community Services
Amendment
M&C No 2023-289 City of Saint John Housing
Accelerator Fund 2024-2026 Action Plan
Document Pages:
This document consists of 11 pages.
Revision History:
Date Created: Common Council Approval Date: Contact:
Growth and Community Services
2024-xx-xx 2024-xx-xx
1
Contents
1. Policy Statement ................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Definitions ............................................................................................................................................. 4
3. Construction Challenges Grant ............................................................................................................. 5
3.1 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Grant Description ............................................................................................................................ 5
3.3 Eligibility .......................................................................................................................................... 5
3.4 Eligible Expenditures ....................................................................................................................... 5
4. Missing Middle Housing Grant .............................................................................................................. 6
4.1 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................... 6
4.2 Grant Description ............................................................................................................................ 6
4.3 Eligibility .......................................................................................................................................... 6
5. Revitalizing Rental Stock Grant ............................................................................................................. 7
5.1 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................... 7
5.2 Grant Description ............................................................................................................................ 7
5.3 Eligibility .......................................................................................................................................... 7
5.4 Eligible Expenses ............................................................................................................................. 7
6. Grant Evaluation Criteria ...................................................................................................................... 8
6.1 Grant Committee ............................................................................................................................ 8
6.2 Evaluation........................................................................................................................................ 8
7. Application Requirements .................................................................................................................... 9
8. Disbursement of Grant Funds ............................................................................................................. 10
9. Outcomes Report ................................................................................................................................ 11
2
Housing Accelerator Fund Grant Program Policy
1. Policy Statement
1.1 The purpose of the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Grant Program is to incentivize the creation of
housing supply within fully serviced areas of the city in conjunction with the priorities and targets
2024-2026 HAF Action Plan.
Priorities
1. Support the development of complete communities that are walkable, consisting of
appropriate residential density and a diverse mix of land uses, providing access to a
wide variety of amenities and services through public and active transportation.
2. Support the development of affordable, inclusive, equitable and diverse
communities that encourage clear pathways to achieving greater socio-economic
inclusion largely achieved through the equitable provision of housing across the
entire housing spectrum.
3. Support the development of low-carbon and climate-resilient communities.
Targets
1,124 new permitted units before the end of 2026
o 15% Missing Middle Housing Forms
o 71% Multi-Unit
o 14% Other
o 9% Affordable Housing Units
1.2 To this end, the Program includes three grant funding streams:
- Construction Challenges Grant
- Missing Middle Housing Grant
- Renovation of older housing stock into affordable units, or rehabilitation of vacant buildings
by non-profit organizations
1.3 The Grant Program aims to ensure fiscal responsibility and public transparency of all grant funding
while balancing the constraints on how funding may be used.
1.4 Equitable distribution of grant funding to achieve the above goals will be considered. In addition,
where an applicant submits more than one application for the same grant stream in a year,
additional applications will only be considered subject to available funding.
3
2. Definitions
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU): Secondary, self-contained living unit located on the same lot as a
primary residential building. ADUs can be attached to the main house, such as a basement or garage
apartment (secondary suite), or detached, like a separate small house (garden suite).
Commissioner of Growth and Community Services: Commissioner of Growth and Community Services
or his/her delegate.
Complete Communities:
lifetime by providing convenient access to an appropriate mix of jobs, local services, a full range of
housing, and community infrastructure including affordable housing, schools, recreation and open space
for their residents. Convenient access to public transit and active transportation is also provided.
Construction Challenges: As defined at section 3.4 herein, or any other circumstances as approved, in
writing, by the Commissioner of Growth and Community Services.
Developed land per unit: Refers to the amount of land that has been prepared and made ready for
construction or use, divided by the number of units (such as houses or apartments) that will be built on
it. Essentially, it measures the density of development in a given area.
Gross Floor Area (GFA): GFA means the total of all floor areas of a building or structure above and below
grade measured between the exterior faces of the exterior walls of the building at each floor level, but
does not include any area designed for parking.
Institutional/Commercial Use: Refers to land or property designated for non-residential purposes,
including uses such as schools, hospitals, government buildings or retail stores, offices, and restaurants.
These uses cover Commercial and Community Facility Uses in the City of Saint John Zoning By-law.
Intensification Areas: The areas within the Municipal Plan identified as the primary places for growth to
proceed as shown on the City Structure Map, Schedule A.
Missing Middle Housing: Multi-unit housing characterized as missing middle refers to ground-oriented
housing types that exist between single-detached and mid-rise apartments. This includes garden suites,
secondary suites, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, row houses, courtyard housing, and low-rise
apartments less than 4 storeys.
Modular Housing: A type of prefabricated housing that is constructed in sections or modules in a factory
setting and then transported to the site for assembly.
Primary Development Area: The area generally corresponding to that portion of the City served by
municipal water, municipal sanitary sewer, and municipal storm sewer as defined by the Municipal
Development Plan and shown on the Future Land Use Map, Schedule B.
Purpose-Built Rental: A residential building specifically designed and constructed to be rented out as
long-term rental housing, often at least 20 years.
Stacked Townhouse: A type of townhouse where individual units are stacked vertically rather than
spread out horizontally. Each unit has its own separate entrance, but the buildings are multi-story, with
units positioned above and below one another.
4
3. Construction Challenges Grant
3.1 Purpose
To support new construction that might not be achieved through normal market forces by
addressing known construction challenges, such as rock breaking, specific to Saint John.
To incentivize developments, with particular emphasis on purpose-built rentals, located in areas
where servicing capacity already exists and which have the potential to foster complete
communities.
3.2 Grant Description
a) The Construction Challenges Grant may provide up to 50% of the cost of eligible Construction
Challenges to a maximum of $10,000 per unit up to 15 units.
3.3 Eligibility
a) The development must be located within the Primary Development Area in accordance with
Schedule B of the Municipal Plan and connect to municipal water and sanitary services.
b) The application must propose the creation of a minimum of 5 new residential units.
c) The development must incur at least $200,000 in eligible Construction Challenges in Part 3.4.
d) The development must be a minimum of 2 storeys in height.
e) The development must comply with the Municipal Plan and Zoning By-law at the time of
application.
f) The applicant must be the registered owner, acting on behalf of the registered owner with
written permission, or provide proof of an option agreement or purchase and sale agreement of
the property.
g) Construction Challenges must be evidenced by a professional invoice/quote, or a cost to
construct budget approved by a professional architect, engineer, project accountant, or any
other documentation requested by the City at the time of application.
3.4 Eligible Expenditures
a) Eligible Construction Challenges include any of the following:
Breaking and removal of rock outcrops and importation of fill as part of necessary site
preparation to emplace the building, site amenities, and/or services
Pile-driving
Remediation of contaminated soils
Costs associated with the remediation or demolition of a former Institutional/Commercial
use that has been vacant for over one year
5
4. Missing Middle Housing Grant
4.1 Purpose
To incentivize the construction of missing middle housing forms that are more inherently
sustainable and affordable through smaller lots and denser developments that make efficient
use of land.
A top up grant is also available to help incentivize the use of modular housing construction and
Accessory Dwelling Units.
4.2 Grant Description
a) The Missing Middle Housing Grant provides $5,000 per eligible unit.
b) A top up Grant provides $2,500, in addition to the Missing Middle Housing Grant, per unit if the
development is Modular Housing or an Accessory Dwelling Unit.
c) The total Grant provides no more than $150,000 per application.
4.3 Eligibility
a) The development must be located within the Primary Development Area in accordance with
Schedule B of the Municipal Plan and connect to city water and sewer services.
b) The development must consist of one or more of the following uses, as defined by the Zoning
By-law or this Policy:
Accessory Dwelling Unit
Dwelling, Semi-detached, with an Accessory Dwelling Unit
2 2
Dwelling, Townhouse, with a maximum GFA of 1,200 ft (111 m) or less per unit
2 2
Dwelling, Cluster Townhouse, with a maximum GFA of 1,200 ft (111 m) or less per unit
2
Stacked Townhouse, with less than 175 m of developed land per unit
Multi-unit dwelling 3 storeys or lower, up to a maximum of 18 units per building, with less
2
than 100 m of developed land per unit
c) The application must propose the creation of a minimum of 4 new residential units, unless
otherwise authorized by written consent of the Commissioner of Growth and Community
Services.
d) Notwithstanding 4.3.(c), an application to create one new Accessory Dwelling Unit will also be
considered.
e) The development must comply with the Municipal Plan and Zoning By-law at the time of
application and if applicable, received tentative subdivision plan approval.
f) The applicant must be the registered owner, acting on behalf of the registered owner with
written permission, or provide proof of an option agreement or purchase and sale agreement of
the property.
6
5. Revitalizing Rental Stock Grant
5.1 Purpose
To incentivize the revitalization of existing rental stock and retention of such stock at greater
levels of affordability than would otherwise be contemplated.
5.2 Grant Description
a) The Revitalizing Rental Stock grant provides $10,000 per unit, in addition to 100% of the cost of
building permit fees up to a maximum of $50,000 per application.
5.3 Eligibility
a) The redevelopment must be located within the Primary Development Area in accordance with
Schedule B of the Municipal Plan and connect to city water and sewer services.
b) The redevelopment meets one of the following sub-stream criteria:
i. Rental Rehabilitation Assistance Program
The redevelopment must provide proof of support of their application through Housing
New BrunswickRental Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP).
ii. Vacant Building Redevelopment
I. The applicant must be a registered non-profit organization;
II. The building must have been vacant for a minimum period of one year;
III. The applicant must receive written approval from the Commissioner of Growth
and Community Services based on addendums to the application including
targeted rents; and the information pertaining to the applicant and
track record; and,
IV. The redevelopment must propose the creation or addition of at least one net
new residential unit to the building, as confirmed by Real Property information
obtained through Service New Brunswick.
c) The development must incur at least $200,000 in eligible expenditures in Part 5.4.
d) The project must be evidenced by a professional invoice/quote, or a cost to construct budget
approved by a professional architect, engineer, or project accountant at the time of application.
e) The development must comply with the Municipal Plan and Zoning By-law at the time of
application.
f) The applicant must be the registered owner, acting on behalf of the registered owner with
written permission, or provide proof of an option agreement or purchase and sale agreement of
the property.
g) The Revitalizing Rental Stock Grant cannot be stacked with another Grant Stream within this
Program.
5.4 Eligible Expenses
a) Eligible expenditures are any soft costs related to building permit fees and any hard construction
costs associated with the renovation of the building, excluding appliances and furnishings.
7
6. Grant Evaluation Criteria
6.1 Grant Committee
a) Applications will be reviewed by a Grant Committee appointed by the Commissioner of Growth
and Community Services.
b) Funding will be committed in the order of the projects that score the highest number of points
according to Part 6.2 in the form of a letter of conditional approval.
c) Applications that receive conditional approval may be invited by the Committee to submit
additional documentation to support their application, including financial statements of the
organization, correspondence from other funding partners, and additional quotes or invoices.
6.2 Evaluation
a) Grant applications will be received throughout the year and reviewed by the Grant Committee
at quarterly intakes, or through a Grant Committee meeting scheduled at the discretion of the
Commissioner of Growth and Community Services, based on volume of applications received.
b) Grant intake may pause or cease to occur at the discretion of the Commissioner of Growth
and Community Services, based on available HAF funds.
c) Each application will be scored by the Grant Committee in accordance with the Score Card
below and awarded in the order of the highest score per intake.
i. A minimum score of 55 points is required to receive approval for any HAF grant.
ii. A project will be disqualified if the applicanttimeline (2.a) is scored 0 by the
Committee.
1. The Project - Alignment with the HAF Grant Program 55
a) ontribution toward HAF housing targets (e.g. overall number of units proposed, subtargets). 15
b) location and contribution towards complete communities (e.g. within 800 m or closer to an 15
Intensification Area or adjacent to a Corridor as defined by the Municipal Plan).
c) Project incorporates a portion of affordable units (e.g. MLI Select or other CMHC program). 10
d) Project maximizes efficient use of land and existing city services (water, sewer, storm, street). 15
2. The ApplicantTimeline, Capability, and Need 35
a) The project timeline is achievable within the constraints of the HAF funding timeline. 15
b) The applicant demonstrates a track record of similar scale developments. 15
c) The applicant is in good standing with the City and demonstrates a need. The Committee will consider 15
equitable distribution of grants if more than 1 grant application is submitted by the same applicant in 1
year.
3. Project Innovation - Energy Efficiency, Accessibility, Amenity Space, and Other 10
a) Project is mixed-use, meets or exceeds 2017 National Energy Code requirements or Provincial 5
accessibility requirements (e.g. more than 1 barrier free unit per 4 units, universal design), or exceeds
Zoning By-law amenity space requirements (e.g. Landscaping or shared community space).
b) Project employs other innovative practice to advance the commercial real estate/construction 5
industry (e.g. sustainable building practices, climate resiliency, affordable housing initiatives).
Total 100
8
7. Application Requirements
a) An application for a grant under this Policy shall include the following:
i. A completed application in the form as attached in Schedule A to this Policy;
ii. A site plan and/or drawings showing floor plans and building elevations;
iii. A project schedule indicating the following key milestones:
- Project start date
- Anticipated date of building permit or date that building permit was
submitted and building permit number
- Estimated date of completion of foundation or pre-drywall inspection
- Estimated date of project completion;
iv. Legal names of the property owner and applicant. If an applicant is acting on
behalf of the owner, property authorization from the owner of the property
v. Construction cost estimates; and,
vi. Evidenced Construction Challenges cost estimates, where applicable.
b) The applicant must submit a complete building permit application within six months of the
application, or a date alternatively determined by the Grant Committee, otherwise the grant will
be withdrawn.
c) An application will not be considered if work has commenced prior to the date of an application,
with commencement defined as the pouring of foundation under the building permit for new
construction and any work other than demolition under the building permit for an existing
building.
d) An application will not be considered where a building permit for the majority of the work (e.g.
multi-phase development) has already been issued prior to the adoption by Common Council of
this policy, unless approved explicitly in writing by the Commissioner of Growth and Community
Services.
9
8. Disbursement of Grant Funds
a) No grant funds will be disbursed to successful applicants until the following occurs:
i. The Grant Committee has issued a conditional approval letter to the applicant
confirming their decision.
ii. The successful applicant has entered into a Grant Agreement with the City.
iii. The successful applicant has been issued a building permit by the City.
Substantial revisions to the building permit submission attached to the
application form, including but not limited to the reduction in number of units,
may void the application or require the application be resubmitted.
iv. The applicable project milestone(s) is completed as indicated:
Grant Required Milestone Exception
Stream
Construction The development has Where the eligible construction
Challenge received approval of the challenge consists of the remediation
Grant foundation inspection under of a former institutional/commercial
the approved building use, the development has been fully
permit. completed and issued a certificate of
successful completion under the
approved building permit.
Missing The development has Where the eligible use consists of an
Middle received approval of the Accessory Dwelling Unit, the
Housing foundation inspection under development has been deemed to be
Grant the approved building completed based upon a final
permit. inspection by the City.
Revitalizing The development has been
Rental Stock fully completed and issued a
Grant certificate of successful
completion under the
approved building permit.
v. If a development does not reach all required project milestones under this
st
policy prior to April 1, 2027, the City will withdraw the grant unless the
applicant receives written approval from the Commissioner of Growth and
Community Services.
b) Any grant funding will be dependent upon the following:
i. Number of applications received and availability of funding for HAF, and,
ii. The city receiving federal funding for HAF. Despite approval of an application,
planned disbursement of funds may be cancelled by the Commissioner of
Growth and Community Services at any time based on availability of HAF
funding.
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iii. The City will periodically confirm building permit progress. If no progress is
demonstrated on the building permit within 6 months of the issuance of a
building permit and the Commissioner of Growth and Community Services
determines the project is at risk of incompletion, the grant will be withdrawn.
9. Outcomes Report
a) Funding recipients will be required to submit an outcomes report outlining how the funds
were used in accordance with this Program. These reports will be made publicly available.
b) The City reserves the right to request additional information or explanation of such reports.
11
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1c) Project incorporates a portion of affordable units (e.g. MLI Select or other CMHC program)d) Project maximizes efficient use of land and existing city services (water, sewer, storm,
street)b) The applicant demonstrates a track record of similar scale developments.c) The applicant is in good standing with the City and demonstrates a need. The Committee will consider
equitable distribution of grants if more than 1 grant application is submitted by the same applicant in 1 year.3
GRANT AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT made in duplicate this ____ day of _______________,
\[202x\].
BY AND BETWEEN: _________________________ of the
_________________________________ and
Province of New Brunswick a body corporate
duly registered under the laws of the
Province of New Brunswick (hereinafter
called the )
OF THE FIRST PART
And
THE CITY OF SAINT JOHN, a body corporate
by Royal Charter, confirmed and amended by
Acts of the Legislature of the Province of New
Brunswick (hereinafter called the )
OF THE SECOND PART
WHEREAS the City supports the development of a greater supply of housing at
an accelerated pace and acknowledges the need for financial support for specific
construction challenges and/or certain forms of development and entered into a
Housing Accelerator Fund Contribution Agreement with Canada Mortgage and Housing
nd
Corporation at its meeting held the 2 of January, 2024; and
WHEREAS at its meeting held the _________________ the City adopted a
Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Grant Program Policy () to support the
implementation of the City; and
WHEREAS the Developer has applied for the following grants \[Construction
Challenges Grant / Missing Middle Housing Grant / Revitalizing Rental Grant\] for a
property bearing PID ___________________ (the ) and the proposed
development meets the eligibility requirement for the said program; and
WHEREAS the Policy requires that an applicant who meets the eligibility
requirement of a given Program under the Policy enter into a Grant Agreement in order
to receive the Grants contemplated in a given Program;
NOW THEREFORE THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSETH that the parties hereto
covenant and agree each with the other as follows:
1. The development for which the grant contemplated in this Agreement shall be paid is
outlined in the prescribed application form and all required supporting documents
).
2. The Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Grant Program is established by the Policy
Agreement.
2
3. The City shall, pursuant to the terms and conditions identified herein, pay to the
Developer a total grant amount of \[$__________\].
4. \[Grant to the Developer of a Construction
Challenges Project / Missing Middle Housing Project / Revitalizing Rental
Project is conditional upon:
a. The Grant Committee having issued a conditional approval letter to
the Developer confirming
b. the City completing an inspection which confirms that the relevant
incentive program eligibility criteria have been met;
c. The following project milestone(s) first having being fulfilled: The
development has received approval of the foundation inspection
under the approved building permit. / The development has been
fully completed and issued a certificate of successful completion
under the approved building permit. / The development has been
deemed to be completed based upon a final inspection by the City.
d. Availability of
budget through the Housing Accelerator Fund project budget, and/or
other funding sources\].
5. The City and the Developer acknowledge and agree that the City may choose at its
sole and absolute discretion to amend or cancel the Policy at any time and that
Policy funding may change in future years or be cancelled altogether based upon
availability of external funding sources for the Program. Should this occur, the
Developer acknowledges that it shall have no legal recourse against the City.
6. The City and the Developer acknowledge and agree that the Developer shall be
liable to reimburse to the City the entirety of the funding amount paid to the
Developer and the City shall have a right of action against the Developer to recover
said amount should the Project not be fully completed in accordance with the
building and/or development permit.
7. Prior to the payment of any grant contemplated in this Agreement, the City may
require an audit of required supporting documentation submitted with the application
to ensure its validity at the expense of the applicant.
Termination
8. The City may terminate this Agreement without notice upon the occurrence of one
of the following events:
a. changes are made to the design of the building during construction that do
not comply with the eligibility criteria of the relevant incentive program for
the grants contemplated in this Agreement;
b. Common Council, by resolution, rescinds the Policy;
3
c. If no progress is demonstrated on successfully fulfilling the building permit
as evidenced by periodic inspection within 6 months of the issuance of a
building permit;
d. Project milestone(s) identified in this agreement are not successfully
st
fulfilled prior to April 1, 2027.
9. This Agreement may not be assigned without the written consent of the City.
10. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Province of New Brunswick.
11. No amendment of this Agreement is effective unless made in writing and signed by
a duly authorized representative of each of the City and the Developer. No waiver of
any provision of this Agreement is effective unless made in writing, and any such
waiver has effect only in respect of the particular provision or circumstance stated in
the waiver. No representation by either of the parties with respect to the
performance of any obligation under this Agreement is capable of giving rise to an
estoppel unless the representation is made in writing.
12. Each party shall be responsible for paying its own costs and expenses incurred in
connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement.
13. This Agreement shall be binding upon and enure to the benefit of the parties hereto,
their respective successors and assigns.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have caused these presents to be
duly executed by the properly authorized officers and their respective corporate seals
affixed hereto the day and year first above written.
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED )
in the presence of: )
)
) Per: __________________________
) Name:
) Title:
)
) THE CITY OF SAINT JOHN
)
)
) __________________________
) Mayor
)
)
) __________________________
) City Clerk
)
) Common Council Resolution:
)
) __________________________
SCHEDULE A
(Application Form)
SCHEDULE B
(Housing Accelerator Fund Grant Program Policy)
SCHEDULE C
(Affidavit of Corporate Execution)
1.0 APPLICANT INFORMATION
Applicant Name:
Email Address:
Phone:
Mailing Address:
Postal Code:
Preferred Method of Contact: Email Phone
Are you the legal owner of the property? Yes No Please indicate the legal contact information below
Owner:
Mailing Address:
Postal Code:
2.0 TO BE COMPLETED BY PROPERTY OWNER
Are you currently in good standing with the City of Saint John, meaning you have no unpaid taxes, water/sewage
fees, or outstanding property-related by-law violations? Yes No
printed name signature DD/MM/YYYY
3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Civic Address:
Property ID (PID):
Number of Units:
Building Permit submission date (actual or estimated):
Please note that a building permit must be submitted within 6 months of the date of application.
Building Permit Number: _______________________________________
1
Briefly describe your project and details as applicable on energy efficiency (e.g. will the development meet 2017 NEC),
accessibility (# of barrier free units), amenity space, affordability, and any innovative practices that will advance the
commercial real estate/construction industry (sustainable building practices, climate resiliency, affordable housing
initiatives). Include reference to any past projects completed. This information will be used to score your application. You
may attach additional pages to this application form.
________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Grants applied for:
Construction Challenges Grant
Missing Middle Housing Grant
Revitalizing Rental Stock Grant
Estimated Construction Cost: ________________________________________________
Estimated Construction Challenge Cost (if applicable): ____________________________
Construction Start Date: ____________________________________________________
Estimated date of foundation completion: ______________________________________
Construction Completion date: _______________________________________________
Targeted average rent: _____________________________________________________
Targeted sale price: ________________________________________________________
4.0 SIGNATURES
I hereby request that this application be considered under the HAF Grant Program Policy of the Growth &Community
Services Department of The City of Saint John.
By signing below, I certify that all information included on this application form is truthful and accurate.
printed name signature
DD/MM/YY
General Collection Statement
This information is being collected in order for the City of Saint John to deliver an existing program/service; the collection is limited to that which is necessary to deliver the
program/service. Unless required to do so by law, the City of Saint John will not share your personal information with any third party without yourexpress consent.
The legal authority for collecting this information is to be found in the Municipalities Act and the Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
For further information or questions regarding the collection of personal information, please contact the Access & Privacy Officer.
City Hall
15 Market Square
Saint John, NB E2L 1E8
commonclerk@saintjohn.ca (506) 658-2862
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