Are there any grants for building rental housing in New Brunswick?

Yes, New Brunswick offers several grant and financing programs specifically for rental housing development, though availability and funding levels change regularly as programs are updated or reach capacity.

The New Brunswick Housing Corporation (NBHC) administers the primary rental housing incentives. Their Rental Development Program provides forgivable loans and grants to developers who commit to affordable rental units for specified periods. This program typically targets projects with 20% or more units at below-market rents, with funding amounts varying based on the number of affordable units included.

CMHC's National Housing Co-Investment Fund remains active for larger rental projects (10+ units) that meet affordability and accessibility criteria. This federal program offers low-interest loans and forgivable loans up to $47.8 million per project, though the application process is competitive and requires detailed financial projections.

For smaller-scale rental development, some New Brunswick municipalities offer property tax incentives or development fee reductions for purpose-built rental housing. Fredericton, Moncton, and Saint John have all implemented various incentive programs, though these vary significantly by location and project type.

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot communities in New Brunswick may have additional housing development incentives tied to population retention efforts. Communities like Fredericton and Moncton participate in programs that can include housing development support.

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) occasionally funds rental housing projects that demonstrate economic development benefits, particularly in rural areas experiencing population growth from immigration or resource development.

Important considerations for any rental housing grant application: Most programs require long-term affordability commitments (10-20 years), detailed market studies, and compliance with accessibility standards. Projects must meet National Building Code 2020 requirements (Tier 2 energy efficiency mandatory as of May 1, 2025) and obtain proper building permits from your municipality or Regional Service Commission.

Next step: Contact NBHC directly at (506) 453-2300 or visit gnb.ca/housing for current program availability and application deadlines. Grant programs often have limited funding windows and specific application periods, so timing is critical for securing funding.

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