Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has launched a new initiative to speed up the construction of new affordable and rental housing.

The organization’s Frequent Builder framework aims to expedite the application process for established housing providers.

The framework will target experienced housing providers who access funding through the largest National Housing Strategy programs, the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) and the Apartment Construction Loan Program (ACLP).

Those providers with proven track records and that meet program criteria will be given the status of Frequent Builder, which will enable them to access a fast-tracked process for AHF and ACLP funding applications, a quicker approval process, underwriting and advancing flexibilities, and the possibility of funding commitments for future years to allow better planning for future projects. 

CMHC has established separate eligibility criteria for government entities, including Indigenous governments, for-profit developers, and non-profit developers.

Housing providers who meet the criteria will be automatically approved to receive Frequent Builder status.

"We are excited to launch the Frequent Builder framework as it will better support housing providers in building the housing we need and do it more quickly,” said CMHC President and CEO Coleen Volk. “This new framework will also support CMHC's new service standard of Affordable Housing Fund and Apartment Construction Loan Program applications receiving conditional approval within 30 days and full approval within 60 days."

Across Canada there is an urgent need for both affordable and rental homes.

CMHC says one of the biggest challenges facing housing providers and the communities they supply homes to is the time it takes to get new housing through planning and approval stages to being shovel-ready, with construction financing secured.

The Frequent Builder framework aims to close that gap.