Housing Accelerator Fund
AV¾ãÀÖ²¿ has been an important part of Halifax’s history and growth for more than 200 years. It will be a part of our city’s future for centuries to come. That’s why Dal takes a wholistic, long-term view of our institutional footprint and the ways our campuses intersect with the changing neighbourhoods around us.
Like the rest of the city, AV¾ãÀÖ²¿ is impacted by the tight housing market. We have been following the proposed planning amendments put forward by Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) staff in response to Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) requirements announced by the federal government. To receive the HAF funds, HRM is required (among other things) to increase density around university campuses and along major transit corridors.
To date, proposed planning amendments to increase density have not included university lands. Population growth and development around university campuses is restricting the availability of student housing options. It is clear that both universities and the city as a whole require more housing supply. For this reason, AV¾ãÀÖ²¿ is urging HRM to increase density on our campus lands, so we can develop more housing capacity in an efficient, sustainable, accessible, and welcoming manner.