Proposed Changes to the Affordable Housing Incentives

The City is creating a new development incentive policy. As part of this, the current Policy C09-002 – Innovative Housing Incentives will be repealed and replaced with a new policy that will include affordable housing incentives. This new approach will better align with current needs and funding opportunities.

Additional engagement opportunities related to new affordable housing incentive programs will be coming in the new year.

The key proposed changes to be incorporated into the new policy include:

• Increased flexibility for cash grants: The policy will no longer limit grant amounts to 10% of total capital costs, allowing for more responsive funding support.
• Affordability term requirements: Successful applicants will be required to commit to an affordability term as agreed upon with the City. This replaces the current minimum five-year affordability period for low-income households, allowing for tailored agreements.
• Removal of specific incentive programs: Specific incentive programs will not be listed in the policy. Proposed incentive programs will be developed through further engagement and brought forward for Council approval as needed. This change provides flexibility to adapt programs to evolving community needs and funding availability.
• Expanded eligibility for off-site levy waivers: The policy will be updated to allow off-site levy waivers for projects that include supportive services, not just for the construction of new affordable dwelling units.
• Monitoring and reporting requirements: Projects receiving incentives will need to meet new monitoring and reporting requirements to ensure compliance and effectiveness.

These changes aim to make the policy more adaptable and responsive, while maintaining accountability and alignment with the City's housing priorities.

The proposed changes are expected to be presented to the Standing Policy Committee on Planning, Development and Community Services in December 2025 or January 2026.

If you have questions or comments on the proposed changes, please contact housinginfo@saskatoon.ca or visit saskatoon.ca/engage/planning-and-development-new-development-incentives-program for more information by November 12, 2025.