The federal government is investing $59 million to fast-track the construction of 1,700 new housing units in Vaughan, Ont.

Many of the residences are expected to comprise apartments, including affordable, social and Indigenous housing units. Vaughan is a city within the Greater Toronto Area.

“The status quo on home building in this country just isn’t working. We need more apartments, affordable housing, homes within walking distance of public transit – and we need to do it faster,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a statement.

Ottawa is investing the money through its $4-billion Housing Accelerator Fund, which is designed to help cities, towns and Indigenous governments unlock new housing supply and fast-track projects. Trudeau said the investment in Vaughan will allow for high-density development near public transit, prioritize apartment and affordable-housing construction and fix outdated permitting systems.

The City of Vaughan will also amend a zoning by-law to allow for the construction of up to four residential units on one lot, according to the prime minister.

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