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Multi-Unit Incentive Pilot Program

The Multi-Unit Incentive Program is a targeted pilot designed to accelerate the delivery of diverse and affordable housing in Airdrie. By offering financial incentives for eligible multi-unit residential projects located near existing transit routes, employment hubs, and schools, the program promotes livable, connected communities where residents can easily access daily needs. All developments will continue to meet the standards of the Land Use Bylaw (LUB), ensuring traffic impacts and parking requirements are carefully monitored and regulated to maintain neighbourhood functionality. This initiative also reduces complexities around approval processes, reducing red tape for developers while upholding quality and safety standards. The pilot will provide valuable insights into market response and community benefits, guiding future housing policy and investment strategies.
 
Project goals:
  • Expedited reviews: Faster processing of development and building permit applications to reduce delays and streamline approvals.
  • Development Officer decision authority: Eligible applications can be approved directly by a Development Officer, helping shorten decision timelines.
  • Fee reimbursements: Reimbursement of development permit, start work early building permit fees and portions of traffic impact assessment costs.
  • Deferral of voluntary contributions: Voluntary contributions (where applicable) can be deferred until construction is complete, easing early-stage cash flow.
Eligibility: 
  • The program is open to registered property owners or authorized agents proposing multi-unit residential developments.

Eligible projects must:

  • Be 4 storey mixed use (with ground floor commercial) or 5+ storey residential building.
  • Be located near existing or planned transit routes or within a future transit-oriented development area.
  • Be able to obtain a start work early building permit by Dec. 31, 2027.
  • Meet all Land Use Bylaw requirements, including traffic impact and parking standards.
  • This is a limited-time pilot with formal evaluation and public reporting. Results will help determine whether to scale, adjust, or discontinue the program.

Multi-Unit Incentive Program Stackability

The Multi-Unit Incentive Pilot offers practical supports to help eligible projects move from concept to construction faster and with lower upfront costs and can be stacked with the following other housing related incentives from the City and other levels of government.

Level 2 Municipal: Downtown incentives program

The City of Airdrie offers incentives to support downtown redevelopment, including residential and mixed-use projects.  There is no non-market housing affordability commitment associated with the Downtown incentives program.

Level 3 Municipal: Housing incentive program

Eligible non-profit-led projects, or developments approved under federal or provincial affordability programs, may receive additional development and building permit fee exemptions beyond those available through the MUIPP.

View the affordable housing incentive policy (pdf)

Level 4 Provincial: Affordable housing partnership program (AHPP)

 The Affordable Housing Incentive Policy (AHPP) provides capital funding of up to one-third of eligible project costs for developments delivering deeper affordability.

The program aligns with:

LEVEL 5 Federal: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Programs

CMHC provides financing and mortgage insurance programs, that support experienced multi-unit developers through streamlined approvals, preferred program pathways and track record-based underwriting.  They can be combined with municipal and provincial incentives.

Level 6 Federal: Build Canada Homes (BCH)

BCH is a federal investment program that can be combined with municipal and provincial incentives to support:

  • Development capital
  • Land contributions
  • Partnership-based financing

The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate readiness, depth of affordability and scalability.  Please refer to the Investment Policy Framework.

Learn more about the BCH program

Community impact

The Multi-Unit Incentive Pilot program aims to create more affordable homes for residents at a range of incomes. 

Other benefits include:

  • Livable, connected neighbourhoods with better access to transit, services, and jobs.
  • Better urban outcomes, including walkability and reduced transportation costs.
  • Economic and social inclusion through diverse housing opportunities.
  • Community vibrancy, especially in areas like the Downtown.

Safeguards to ensure quality and community protection 

All projects must meet: 

  • Full compliance with the Land Use Bylaw.
  • Traffic impact and parking assessments.
  • Affordability covenants and reporting requirements.
  • Rigorous intake and evaluation standards.

Application review process

Applications reviews occur within the intake window and follow a structured triage and evaluation process. Applicants will receive periodic updates throughout the application process on the status of their application.