Build Canada Homes marked 100 days of operations on January 7 with an announcement that it has made notable achievements toward tackling Canada's housing crisis.

Among them, the agency says it has issued requests for qualifications for as many as 4,000 units on federally owned, so-called Direct Build sites.

In Ontario, these include Toronto’s Arbo Development. The project will deliver 540 new homes using modern methods of construction. At least 40% of the units on the site will be affordable, with a mix of housing to support middle class families. The government also provided an investment of up to $283 million to expand local infrastructure, which could lead to the construction of up to 63,000 new homes in the Downsview area.

Additionally, the 18-acre federal Heron site in Ottawa is expected to accommodate approximately 1,100 homes.

Further developments are planned on federal sites in Winnipeg, Edmonton, Longueuil and Darthmouth.

Meanwhile, through its partnership with the City of Ottawa, Build Canada Homes is providing up to $400 million to accelerate mixed income and affordable housing through land activation and streamlined approvals. Through this agreement, the City of Ottawa will reduce or waive development charges, permit fees, and property taxes.

Looking ahead to 2026, Build Canada Homes will move from planning to construction – breaking ground on Direct Build sites, expanding partnerships with provinces, territories and municipalities, and accelerating the delivery of thousands of affordable homes.

"In just 100 days, we've gone from concept to action - thousands of homes committed, landmark agreements signed, six Direct Build sites moving forward and a national portal that's converting interest into action,” said Build Canada Homes CEO Ana Bailão. “This is a model for how we want to work across Canada: combining speed, innovation, and collaboration to get shovels in the ground and homes built faster for those who need it most."

Since releasing its Investment Policy Framework and launching its national submission portal in late November, Build Canada Homes says it has seen strong interest from across Canada.

Proposals have been received from each province and territory, many of which are under review, and hundreds more in progress.