The City of Saint John is opening applications for the 2026 Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Grant Program on January 22, advancing its commitment to increasing housing supply and supporting diverse, attainable housing options across the community. The program targets fully serviced areas of the city and is designed to reduce barriers that commonly slow or prevent new development.

The HAF Grant Program delivers funding through three targeted streams, each aligned with municipal housing priorities and the national Housing Accelerator Fund objectives.

The Construction Challenges Grant stream supports projects facing Saint John–specific construction barriers by covering up to 50% of eligible costs, to a maximum of $10,000 per unit for up to 15 units. Projects must include at least $200,000 in construction‑related expenditures, such as rock removal, fill importation, pile driving, or contaminated soil remediation, helping advance developments that may not otherwise be feasible under normal market conditions.

The Missing Middle Housing Grant incentivizes the creation of small‑lot homes, townhouses, and small multiplexes by providing up to $5,000 per eligible unit. Projects must contain a minimum of 4 units, with the exception that a single Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) placed on an existing property. Each project may receive up to $150,000 in total funding. To support use of the CMHC Design Catalogue, new efforts to adapt this grant are underway. We strongly encourage potential applicants to reach out to discuss how this grant may best fit your project.

The Revitalizing Rental Stock Grant supports the improvement and long‑term retention of existing rental units at enhanced levels of affordability by offering $10,000 per unit and full reimbursement of building permit fees, up to $50,000 per application. Projects must include at least $200,000 in eligible expenditures and may qualify if they are supported by Housing NB’s RRAP program or involve non‑profit redevelopment of vacant buildings.

Applications will be evaluated by the Grant Committee using the objectives and project scorecard outlined in the HAF Grant Program Policy.

How to Apply

• Request application forms by email at affordable@saintjohn.ca
• Pick up paper copies at the One Stop Development Shop, 15 Market Square.
• The application window opens January 22, 2026, and will remain open until April 15, 2026.

The City of Saint John encourages eligible developers, builders, non‑profit organizations, and property owners to apply and help advance the creation of much‑needed housing across the community.