The federal government has announced a five point multi-million dollar plan to develop 180 new housing units in the city of Mount Pearl.

The $6.1 million dollars in funding is being used to come up with a plan to change the way homes are built.

It includes a review of Mount Pearl’s city plan to reduce exclusionary zoning, the streamlining of permit approvals and incentives to build affordable housing.

Mount Pearl council has committed to looking at existing land owned by the city that can be made available for housing and will create a special team at City Hall whose sole task will be to speed up housing development in Mount Pearl.

Mayor Dave Aker says with the city seeing a shifting demographic, the funding couldn’t come at a better time.

Aker says they’re seeing many folks who want to live close to mass transit. He says many seniors are considering downsizing and the city is also looking for more housing options for families.

Exciting news! 📢

We are happy to announce an agreement with @CMHC_ca to build 180 new housing units in the next three years. The agreement will provide more than $6.1 million to fast-track housing developments needed in our city.

To learn more visit: https://t.co/m1R0CHwAA9 pic.twitter.com/i3VLz1hhr1

— City of Mount Pearl (@Mount_Pearl) February 26, 2024