The federal government and the City of Hamilton have reached a $93.5-million agreement under the Housing Accelerator Fund to fast track over 2,600 housing units over the next three years.

The deal will allow for high-density development near rapid transit, including the future Hamilton LRT stations and make city-owned lands and brownfields available for development.

Hamilton has also committed to expanding as-of-right zoning permission for housing, including amending a zoning by-law to allow for the construction of four residential units on one lot.

The initiatives, say the governments, will significantly improve access to housing in Hamilton.

"Today's announcement will help fast track over 2,600 permitted units in the next three years and 9,000 units over the next decade,” said Housing Minister Sean Fraser. “By working with cities, mayors and all levels of government we are helping to get more homes built for Canadians at prices they can afford."

"I want Hamilton to be a great place to live for people of all ages and income levels,” said Mayor Andrea Horwath. “To keep our city affordable, we need to introduce a range of new housing options and introduce innovative new approaches to creating and preserving housing.”

Launched in March 2023, the Housing Accelerator Fund is a $4-billion federal initiative that aims to fast track at least 100,000 new homes for people in towns, cities, and Indigenous communities across Canada.

It asks for innovative action plans from local governments, and once approved, provides upfront funding to ensure the timely building of new homes, as well as additional funds upon delivering results.