The Federal Housing Accelerator Fund has been awarded to The Municipality of the County of Antigonish in the amount of $1,919,753. These funds will be received in 4 equal payments, when we complete our actions that we set out for the year. Our initial fund has been received, and we succeeded in receiving the full amount on the second installment.

With the Eastern District Planning Commission (EDPC), the intention is to replace the existing permitting process with an online portal, which the EDPC will maintain. Ultimately, this new process will reduce redundancies, provide efficiencies, and streamline the process for both developers and public departments. The initiative will support housing growth by minimizing delays in processing permits and signaling modernization of our community.

The objective of this initiative will be to integrate additional water sources into existing infrastructure to supplement the water supply of the James River Dam. This is a high-priority project that is required to remove barriers to future increases in housing supply in the County. To complete this project, County will work directly with the Town of Antigonish.

The Mount Cameron subdivision is experiencing rapid growth in housing supply, which the County has supported by upgrading infrastructure and providing increased access to services for new developments. However, transportation remains a barrier to additional growth in this region due to few options for alternative transportation. Specifically, there are no sidewalks or trail systems to support community needs, which limits interest from new residents who place a priority on recreation and active transportation. The County is proposing a connection that would provide a designated trail system suitable for alternative forms of transportation, including walking and bicycling, with connections to local services and amenities and the regional Active Transportation network.

This initiative provides flexibility to developers completing property improvements subject to fees, such as those covered by our existing Local Improvement Bylaw. Under current regulations, developers must provide payment for certain property improvements. These charges support municipal expenses such as increased servicing for new developments. Under this initiative, alternative payment options are being explored. This alternative payment approach aims to remove barriers to construction by freeing up funds for future housing investments.

County regulations currently permit Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in some, but not all areas of the County, which limits opportunities to add additional housing on existing lots. ADUs are sometimes referred to as garage suites, backyard suites and garden suites. The initiative will involve the completion of a review of local planning documents, which will determine areas that could benefit from regulatory changes to permit accessory dwelling units. After completion of the review, we will make appropriate amendments to planning documents to permit these units in strategic residential zones. This initiative will increase housing density in these targeted areas, increasing the overall housing inventory without requiring the development of existing green space.

In partnership with Antigonish Community Transit and the Town of Antigonish, the County will hire a consultant to review and evaluate current public transit offerings to determine the most effective transit service strategy to meet the needs of the region. The consultant will also produce recommendations for strategies the local government can enact to improve public transit services in the coming years. Following the review and evaluation, the County will make appropriate changes to the current system to support service growth and ensure equitable access to public transportation. These improvements to community transit will make the County more attractive to developers by providing new residents with reliable options to commute to work, school, social services, recreation, and other amenities.

This initiative will be the creation of a grant program for non-profit organizations to create affordable housing in the County.

 Please click here for the grant application and policy.