The City of Delta, which sits 25 to 30 km from downtown Vancouver, has announced an agreement with the Government of Canada, securing $14.2 million in funding under the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). This investment aims to break down barriers to housing development and speed up the construction process. The agreement includes a plan to fast-track 424 new homes within three years, ultimately enabling the construction of 4,100 homes over the next decade.
The federal grant will directly support initiatives designed to remove barriers to housing construction and expedite approvals for essential projects.
Building Permit Fee Incentive Program
Central to the new initiatives is a building permit fee incentive program. This program will provide financial encouragement for efficient construction, focusing on purpose-built rentals, affordable housing, and middle-density developments that are currently in high demand. By reducing financial obstacles, Delta aims to ensure that critical housing projects can move forward more quickly.
Advanced Technology and Streamlined Processes
Delta’s housing strategy is looking to encourage innovation, with plans to integrate advanced technological solutions, including the use of AI, into the development application process. These updates will allow for faster and more efficient evaluations, minimizing approval delays and supporting builders in meeting housing demand. Efforts to modernize zoning regulations will complement these technological advancements, reducing procedural barriers that often impede development.
Parking Requirement Reductions
Changes to parking requirements, particularly in transit-oriented and urban areas, will reduce construction costs and enable higher-density developments in key locations.
Other Initiatives
The City is also looking at aligning zoning regulations to simplify the approval process for diverse housing projects, including accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and collaborating with non-profits and other organizations to create non-market housing on civic and institutional lands.
Building on 2024 Initiatives
This latest funding builds upon Delta’s substantial progress over the past year. In 2024, the City implemented several policy measures to address housing needs, including adopting a new housing-focused Official Community Plan and updating zoning bylaws to enable the development of small-scale multi-unit housing. Programs like the “PLAN-A-THON” encouraged residents to explore secondary suite and coach house options.
Goals for the Future
With the federal funding agreement in place, Delta is committed to delivering tangible outcomes. Over the next three years, the City plans to fast-track the construction of 424 additional homes and set the stage for 4,100 new homes over the next decade. These targets aim to address shortages in housing supply and increase accessibility for a broader segment of the population.
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, Delta plans to focus on zoning updates, reviews of development fees, and reporting on the Housing Action Plan’s progress.