CanadaCan CMHC acquire land to build affordable housing?
Yes, CMHC can acquire land to build affordable housing under section 44 of the National Housing Act.
What the Law Says
The National Housing Act gives the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) explicit authority to acquire and develop land specifically for housing purposes — including affordable housing.
This power is set out in section 44, titled 'Land assembly', which authorizes CMHC to acquire or develop land as part of its mandate to support housing in Canada.
The provision is broad and functional: it does not limit land acquisition to particular housing types, locations, or ownership models — meaning it covers rental, co-op, Indigenous, and other forms of affordable and supportive housing.
CMHC may exercise this power directly or in partnership with provinces, municipalities, non-profits, or Indigenous organizations.
Statutory TextCMHC may acquire or develop land for housing purposes.
— National Housing Act, s. 44 — Land assembly
What to Do
Confirm the proposed land use aligns with CMHC’s current housing priorities (e.g., Rapid Housing Initiative, Indigenous Housing Strategy).
Engage CMHC early through its regional offices or online partnership portals.
Ensure municipal zoning and provincial planning approvals are in place or anticipated.
Prepare a project proposal outlining affordability commitments, timelines, and community benefits.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.