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Housing

Housing continues to be one of the most pressing challenges facing the City of Mount Pearl, our region, and our province. We need homes to welcome newcomers, to support those who want to downsize, and we need affordable options to ensure everyone has their basic needs met.

The City of Mount Pearl is all-in on this housing challenge. It is our top priority, which was in our strategic plan launched just last year. Our goal is to bring more folks to live and work right here in our city.

For a list of current housing options in Mount Pearl, please visit realtor.ca.

Housing Resources

Access to suitable and affordable housing is essential for people of all ages. In Mount Pearl, we recognize that housing needs vary  widely —whether someone is just starting out, raising a family, or seeking a more supportive living environment. A variety of housing choices helps strengthen our community and supports people at every stage of life.

For a detailed list of housing resources or supports, please download our full information guide here.

If you have any questions or need further support, please contact Brian Power at bpower@mountpearl.ca or (709) 682-6618.

Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Incentive Program

The City of Mount Pearl is now offering a suite of incentives and reducing permit fees to encourage housing developments. This funding is part of the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Incentive Program with up to $100,000 available per project.

Please download the full incentive package and Terms & Conditions here: Housing Accelerator Fund Incentive Program

Please reach out to Brian Power at bpower@mountpearl.ca or (709) 682-6618 to discuss your proposed project and receive an application form.

Residential Scaled Tax Program

The City of Mount Pearl is now offering financial incentives to support the development of high-density housing and affordable housing within city limits. Through a 3-year scaled tax break, eligible developers can receive up to $2,000 per unit, to a maximum of $10,000 per project. This program is designed to stimulate new housing developments, increase the supply of affordable rental units, encourage long-term economic growth, and support overall community sustainability. 

Program Guidelines

Eligible applicants may receive a scaled residential property tax break over a three-year period, with up to $2,000 per unit and a maximum of $10,000 per year per project. This discount applies to residential property tax only; water, wastewater, and waste fees remain payable in full. Scaled taxation applies for three consecutive years, after which properties return to standard municipal tax rates.
Applications can be submitted within twelve (12) months of the occupancy permit being issued. If a property is sold, converted to non-residential use, or no longer meets eligibility criteria during the program period, the City reserves the right to terminate the subsidy immediately and may require repayment of benefits received. Similarly, if program requirements are not met, such as rents exceeding affordability thresholds or significant maintenance issues, the City may terminate participation.
Click here to learn more.

Eligibility

Applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are subject to approval by Mount Pearl City Council. The program is open to developers and building owners who:
  • Build within Mount Pearl’s municipal boundaries and comply with all zoning and building regulations
  • Construct apartment complexes with four (4) or more units and/or
  • Commit to meeting affordability thresholds defined as rents at or below 80% of the median market rate
  • Commit to maintaining affordability for a minimum of five (5) years
  • Have no outstanding property tax or other debts owing to the City
  • Agree to the default provisions of the program
  • Submit annual reports detailing rental rates, occupancy levels, and maintenance activities
The program applies to developments that meet either or both of the following criteria:
  • Apartment complexes with four (4) or more units
  • Affordable housing developments that meet the defined affordability threshold
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and assessed at the discretion of City Council. Preference will be given to developments that increase the supply of affordable or multi-unit housing in Mount Pearl and demonstrate a clear commitment to long-term housing affordability and quality.
Please click here to apply.

Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Program

Earlier this year, the City of Mount Pearl, in partnership with the Government of Canada, reached an agreement to expedite the construction of 180 housing units directly, with a target of 386 units over the next three years. The agreement is designed to eliminate barriers to building the homes we need, faster. As part of the action plan, the city will provide developers and other interested parties with incentives to create more housing units, optimize existing spaces, and redevelop underutilized parcels of land. The fund includes various grants and fee waivers to stimulate new construction and redevelopment projects.

Below is a snapshot of the action plan:

Accelerate the Municipal Plan Review and Renewal
The City of Mount Pearl needs a new Municipal Plan. One that reflects the future of our city, and the changing needs of our residents. This funding will help us streamline the Municipal Plan review and deliver the plan sooner, enabling us to adapt more quickly to changing needs and opportunities for housing, ensuring that development aligns with our strategic goals.

Improve Permitting Processes Through the Implementation of E-permitting Technology
We’re bringing technology onboard to make getting permits a breeze. With e-permitting, you will be able to apply for permits, get approvals, and track progress online. The aim? To save time for applicants and the city, we all work more quickly to accomplish our goals.

Develop Incentive Programs and Introduce Permit Fee Reductions
We’re open for business. We want to make it easier to invest in our city. By offering incentives and reducing permit fees, we’ll be encouraging development in key areas, which means more opportunities for growth in Mount Pearl.

Develop Guidelines for Different Housing Options
Let’s make Mount Pearl a place where everyone can find the right home. We’ll be exploring different housing options to meet the needs of our diverse community. Whether you’re looking for your first home, downsizing, or starting a family, we’re working to create more affordable housing choices for everyone in our city.

Establish an Affordable Housing Reserve Fund Program
We’re committed to making sure everyone has a place to call home. That’s why through this funding, we’ll be developing a special fund to support the creation and preservation of affordable housing.

Complete a Municipal Asset Management Review
To develop, we need to ensure our infrastructure is ready. Through this funding, we’ll be taking a closer look at the city’s infrastructure, such as water and sewer systems, to make sure when our developers are ready, so are we. By reviewing our infrastructure and investments, we can make smarter decisions that benefit everyone in Mount Pearl.

Enhancing Relationship Management
There are many moving parts to housing developments, and those moving parts can sometimes present roadblocks or challenges to development. Through this funding, the city aims to establish a team dedicated to growth and development, ensuring developers have single points of contact. Whether it’s a question on permits, or implementing process improvements, we will want to remove red tape for developers, so you can focus on what’s important, housing.

Conduct a Housing Needs Assessment
Understanding the housing needs of our community is key to planning for the future. That’s why we’re conducting a thorough assessment to gather data and insights into how to meet the diverse housing needs of our current and future residents. This assessment will not only help the city but also be a useful tool for developers looking to do business with the City of Mount Pearl.

The above is just a snapshot of our planned projects, all in pursuit of reaching our target of 386 new housing units over the next three years. As we advance, more details will become available. We encourage you to continue to check back, stay informed, and provide your feedback so we can grow Mount Pearl, together – and welcome more people to our community.

Other Funding Resources

Provincial Government Funding Programs

Federal Government Funding Programs

Contact Information

For any new housing development inquiries or information on current projects and vacancies, contact Brian:

Brian Power
Economic Development & Marketing Officer
(709) 682-6618
bpower@mountpearl.ca

Catherine Power
Manager of Development and Planning
(709) 748-1023
cpower@mountpearl.ca

Jeremy Schwartz
Manager of Economic Development & Housing
(709) 748-1117
jschwartz@mountpearl.ca