The Housing Accelerator Fund Application Intake Window is CLOSED and we are no longer accepting applications. Sign up for the newsletter to be updated in applications reopen. All complete and eligible applications will be evaluated using the 2026 Construction Assistance Grant Evaluation Scorecard.

The Construction Assistance Grant Program is a stand-alone grant stream funded by the Housing Accelerator Fund, and is available for eligible projects within the city's Strategic Core Areas (North Core, South Core and Westfort project areas) during open intake windows. 

It's designed to stimulate the development of new residential units in these areas and support property owners and developers with financial incentives to help develop new units. 

Eligible projects may apply for grants valued at up to $20,000/unit for single bedroom and up to $30,000/unit for two or more bedrooms, to a maximum of $300,000 per property, while available. This grant can also be stacked with the other Strategic Core Area Community Improvement Plan Grants.  

How to Apply 

 Phase 1 – Is your project eligible?
  • The property must be located in one of the designated project areas.
  • The construction project must have a valid building permit and be built in compliance of the Ontario Building Code and all local zoning requirements. It must also meet any design guidelines or site plan controls for the property.
  • If the applicant is not the property owner, they need written consent from the property owner to apply. 
  • The cost of the construction project must be at least $10,000.
  • For information on evaluation, please review the 2026 Construction Assistance Grant Evaluation Scorecard.

 Phase 2 – Prepare and submit your application (If applications are open) 
  • After confirming your property is located within a Strategic Core Area, email haf@thunderbay.ca to request an application form.
  • Complete the application form.
  • Submit the completed application form, a copy of your most recent property tax bill clearly showing the owner and address, and an owner authorization letter if you are not the owner to haf@thunderbay.ca. 

 

For Grant Application and availability information, visit our Housing Accelerator Fund Financial Incentives Page.

 

Questions? Email haf@thunderbay.ca 

 Phase 3 – Application review 
  • Your application is checked for completeness and accuracy.
  • If your application is complete, it will move into internal review.
  • If your application is incomplete, you will be notified. 

 

Questions? Email haf@thunderbay.ca 

 Phase 4 – Internal review 

  • The verified and complete application is reviewed against the scoring criteria.

 Phase 5 – Funding decision 

  •  If your application is successful, you will be notified of provisional approval by email.

 Phase 6 – Apply for your building permit

  • After your project is provisionally approved, you have 60 days from the date of approval to apply for your building permit.

  • If you do not apply within 60 days your application will be subject to review for cancellation.

  • If you anticipate you will have any challenges with the 60 day timeline, notify haf@thunderbay.ca early.

 Phase 7 – Complete the financial agreement & construct your project 

  • Once you’ve applied for the building permit, the Financial Agreement can be completed and you can start your project. 

 Phase 8 – Close your project 
  • After your project is complete, request your final inspection from Building Services.
  • Once your inspection is complete, send the following information to haf@thunderbay.ca.  
    • Photos of your completed project.
    • Receipts and invoices showing a $0.00 balance for eligible completed work.  
  • Your final grant amount will be calculated based on eligible expenses. 
  • The request to pay form will be submitted. 
  • The payment will be made and your project will be finished! 

Own a property in one of the Strategic Core Areas?
Learn about the other Core Area Improvement Programs that are available. 

Sign up for the Housing Accelerator Fund email list to get the most up-to-date information on this program and more. 

 

 

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