Canada announces the grand opening of new homes in Hamilton

HAMILTON, ON, Oct. 8, 2026 /CNW/ — Far too many Canadians are struggling to find homes they can afford. Solving Canada’s housing crisis requires immediate action to bring down costs, cut red tape, and build homes more quickly. The Government of Canada is stepping up with a bold new approach to build affordable housing across the country. We are focused on building great neighbourhoods that Canadians want to, and can afford to live in.

Central to that work, the Government of Canada has launched Build Canada Homes, which is helping increase the pace of affordable homebuilding. Build Canada Homes is also helping fight homelessness by building transitional and supportive housing – working with provinces, territories, municipalities, and Indigenous communities. It is building deeply affordable and community housing for low-income households and partnering with private market developers to build affordable homes for the Canadian middle class.

As part of the Government of Canada’s broader efforts to respond to the housing crisis, investments are being made across the housing continuum to respond to the needs of communities across Canada.

Today, the federal government announced over $6.2 million in funding to help build 23 secure, affordable homes in Hamilton through the Affordable Housing Fund. Acorn Flats, located at 311 Robert Street, is a three-storey building offering 23 homes, including 21 two-bedroom units and two three-bedroom units. The project will provide stable housing and a pathway to permanent housing for families transitioning from shelters or experiencing homelessness.

The announcement was made by Aslam Rana, Member of Parliament for Hamilton Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada alongside Andrea Horwath, Mayor of Hamilton.

The Government of Canada is making the housing investments that will help strengthen Canadian supply chains and create good jobs at every step of the homebuilding process – helping to build more homes and a stronger Canadian economy at the same time.

Quotes:

“Our Government is committed to providing communities the support they need to build capacity to develop local solutions to homelessness. Access to adequate, affordable housing is the foundation for socio-economic success. It supports better education and health outcomes, better employment prospects and better community engagement and cohesion, not to mention economic growth and financial security.” – The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

“It’s a pleasure to see this project come together, knowing what a positive impact it’s going to have on our community. Acorn Flats will provide more safe, affordable homes for some of the most vulnerable residents of Hamilton. It’s also another step forward in building an economy that serves everyone.” – Aslam Rana, Member of Parliament for Hamilton Centre

“Everyone needs a safe and affordable place to call home. The City of Hamilton is investing $6.5 million in this project and I’m proud of partnerships like this, with the federal government and Indwell, that are critical to getting more affordable and supportive housing built. Acorn Flats is an important addition to Hamilton’s affordable housing supply, providing 23 families with stable housing and a pathway forward. We will keep working together, using every tool available to us, to deliver the housing Hamiltonians need.”– Andrea Horwath, Mayor of Hamilton

“Homelessness is solvable. When we work together and invest in the right solutions, we know that Canada can achieve Indwell’s vision of hope and homes for all. We are so grateful to the Government of Canada and the Affordable Housing Fund for partnering with us at Acorn Flats and making 23 more permanent homes available to families who need them. Today’s grand opening is a celebration of these families, and it is a reminder of the ongoing work ahead of us to continuing making more permanent homes available to those who need them.”   – Jeff Neven, CEO, Indwell

Quick Facts:

• The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) provided funding through low-interest and/or forgivable loans or contributions to partnered organizations for new affordable housing and the renovation and repair of existing, affordable and community housing. This was a $16.1 billion program under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) that gave priority to projects that help people who need it most, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people living with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, Veterans, and young adults. The application portal for AHF is now closed as all funding has been committed.
  • As of June 2026, the Government of Canada has committed $15.83 billion to support the creation of over 61,922 units and the repair of over 173,560 units through the Affordable Housing Fund.
  • On September 19, 2025, the Government of Canada announced $1.5 billion top-up in loans for the AHF’s New Construction Stream, to support the creation of over 5,000 new units starting in 2025-26. Additionally, the AHF’s Rapid Housing Sub-Stream will be accelerated, by pulling $385 million in funding from future years. 
• Funding provided for 311 Robert Street is as follows:
  • $6.2 million from the federal government, through the Affordable Housing Fund
  • $6.5 million from the City of Hamilton

Additional Information:

• Visit canada.ca/housing for the most-requested Government of Canada housing information. 
• Build Canada Homes is ready to partner with organizations committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing across Canada. Learn more about the portal and the Investment Policy Framework.
• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is a federal Crown corporation and the foundation of Canada’s housing system. For over 80 years, CMHC has supported the functioning of housing markets across the country through housing finance solutions — including mortgage loan insurance and securitization — while providing trusted, unbiased data, research and market intelligence to inform policy and decision making. Through its national presence, deep expertise in housing economics and finance, and a system-wide perspective, CMHC helps foster a more stable, well-functioning housing market that supports households, communities and the broader economy.
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SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)