The Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) is a federal program administered by the CMHC that provides funding for the rapid development of new deeply affordable housing. Housing funded though RHI must intend to serve populations who are vulnerable and targeted under the National Housing Strategy (NHS). HRM has participated in three rounds of RHI Cities Stream. As of September 2025, 55 units and 84 rooms have been completed and occupied, with 38 units still under construction.
The federal government launched the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) in October 2020, investing $1 billion dollars to create up to 3,000 new permanent, affordable housing units across Canada. In November 2020, the municipality evaluated the Expressions of Interest and selected three successful projects. View the report.
Mi’kmaq Native Friendship Centre
Construction of 10 new affordable apartments and 11 rooms on the Halifax Peninsula.
- Target population: Indigenous People.
- Status: Fully occupied as of July 2023.
North End Community Health Association
Rehabilitation of an uninhabitable building to create 10 new rooms of affordable housing in North End Halifax.
- Target population: Black Canadians and Indigenous People.
- Status: Fully occupied as of November 2022.
Adsum for Women and Children
Construction of 25 new affordable townhouses in Lakeside.
- Target population: Women, women with children, and people with physical disabilities.
- Status: Fully occupied as of September 2022.
The federal government launched Round 2 of RHI in June 2021, which included an additional investment of $1.5 billion expected to create up to 4,500 new permanent, affordable housing units across the country. The municipality evaluated project proposals and recommended projects over summer 2021. View the report.
Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia (AHANS)
Conversion of a former hotel in North End Dartmouth to a 63-room shared housing use with on-site wrap-around support services.
- Target population: People with high acuity who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
- Status: Fully occupied as of June 2023.
Souls Harbour Rescue Mission
Construction of 12 new affordable apartments in West Chezzetcook.
- Target population: Women and women with children.
- Status: Fully occupied as of May 2023.
Akoma Holdings Incorporated
Construction of 8 new semi-detached affordable homes in Westphal.
- Target population: African Nova Scotian women and women with children.
- Status: Occupied as of early 2024.
RHI Round 3 was launched in 2022, allocating an additional $1.5 billion, aiming to create at least 4,500 new affordable housing units in Canada. The municipality evaluated project proposals and recommended successful projects. View the report.
Society of Saint Vincent de Paul
Construction of 38 new affordable apartments with on-site wrap-around support services on the Halifax Peninsula.
- Target population: People with high acuity who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, with at least 25% prioritized for women and at least 15% prioritized for African Nova Scotian or Urban Indigenous individuals or households.
- Status: Under construction.
Questions?
Questions can be directed to affordablehousingprogram@halifax.ca