County Application for Federal Housing Funding Turned Down

Prince Edward County has been denied federal funding after its application for $14.2 million through the Housing Accelerator Fund was not approved by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

The requested funding was intended to support several affordable housing initiatives, including the redevelopment of Queen Elizabeth School, expansion of the secondary suite program, and investments in transitional and workforce housing.

The funding application followed council’s approval of the Prince Edward County Housing Plan (2023–2028) in May 2023, which directed staff to pursue federal support for housing priorities.

Mayor Steve Ferguson expressed frustration with the decision, noting that the seven-month wait for a response will likely result in delays to multiple housing projects. He also raised concerns about the lack of federal and provincial funding for affordable housing in rural communities, while reaffirming the County’s commitment to pursuing alternative solutions.

Municipal staff are now reviewing the impact of the decision and are expected to present a report with potential next steps at the April 11 Committee of the Whole meeting, including options related to the Queen Elizabeth School redevelopment.