Aging housing stock, rising energy costs and growing demand for affordable housing are creating complex challenges for municipalities and housing providers across Canada.
The Sustainable Affordable Housing (SAH) initiative was launched in 2020 as a six-year, $300-million program to help not-for-profits, co-ops, and municipalities retrofit existing housing and construct new, energy-efficient homes. Since then, the program has supported more than 4,100 units across the country—reducing emissions, lowering operating costs and improving housing quality.
SAH program update
SAH is now entering its final year under the original federal funding envelope. Demand has been exceptionally strong, reflecting both the urgency of the housing crisis and the sector’s commitment to sustainable solutions. We are on track to fully allocate the original $300 million by March 2026.
As a result, funding for capital projects and pilots is now closed, and intake for plans and studies is paused until April 2026. When the program reopens, it will continue on a smaller scale, with a renewed focus on early-stage planning and study grants that help providers move forward with retrofits and new-build projects.
How we can still support your work
Even as the program evolves, SAH continues to offer a range of no-cost supports to help housing providers plan for impact:
- Regional Energy Coaches: Personalized guidance on project planning, funding strategies, and energy efficiency education
- Toolkits and guides: Navigating energy-efficient affordable housing projects toolkit and Understanding energy efficiency: A guide for affordable housing providers.
- Funders list: To help connect you with other sources of funding beyond SAH
- Learning and training: Webinars, self-paced courses, and peer exchange opportunities through the SAH Learning Centre
Results and reach
Since 2020, SAH has:
- funded 385 projects, supporting more than 4,100 affordable units
- enabled planning and study work on more than 31,000 additional units
- achieved average GHG reductions of 70% and energy savings of 47% per project
- delivered up to $200/month in utility savings for some tenants
- supported small providers; more than 75% of approved projects came from organizations with portfolios under 100 units
Stay connected
We’re proud of what the SAH program has achieved, and we remain committed to helping you build on that success. To receive updates as the next phase of SAH takes shape, we encourage you to stay connected through the SAH webpage, and to reach out to a Regional Energy Coach if you need support.
FCM’s Sustainable Affordable Housing (SAH) initiative is delivered through the Green Municipal Fund (GMF) and funded by the Government of Canada.
Featured News
See featured news related to Sustainable Affordable Housing.
Delivering hundreds of new sustainable and affordable housing units across British Columbia
The City of Vancouver is receiving $7,081,100 for the Coal Harbour mixed-use passive affordable housing development.
Learn more on FCM.caCanada and FCM announce support for net zero energy ready affordable housing in Rossland, B.C.
The Government of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) are investing in communities to provide sustainable and affordable housing for residents.
Learn more on FCM.caCanada and FCM invest in affordable housing for seniors in Vancouver
The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources and Garth Frizzell, Past President of FCM announced a $10 million investment through the Green Municipal Fund's (GMF) Sustainable Affordable Housing (SAH) initiative to support the redevelopment of two buildings.
Learn more on FCM.caCase studies
Read about initiatives your peers have run using GMF funding. Their stories are inspiring.
Case study: New build achieves financial sustainability, social and environmental benefits
Affordable housing for seniors supports aging-in-place
Read moreCase study: Raising the bar on community housing retrofits
Affordable housing project generates valuable lessons
Read moreCase study: Consultation and innovation improves performance
Ottawa affordable housing project raises the bar on sustainability
Read moreCase study: Energy retrofit delivers multiple benefits
Improved air quality and resident comfort
Read moreHave questions about Sustainable Affordable Housing?
Contact our Outreach team who can answer any questions you have relating to this initiative.
Delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, GMF manages approximately $2.4B in programs funded by the Government of Canada.