The federal government is giving the City of Calgary $228 million to fast-track the construction of about 6,800 housing units over the next three years.

The funds will be supplied under an agreement between Ottawa and the city that is designed to create 35,000 new homes in Calgary over the next decade.

Many of the homes are expected to be multi-residential rental units. According to a federal news release, Ottawa will provide the funds through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s $4-billion Housing Accelerator Fund.

The Calgary money will support seven initiatives that range from prioritized and accelerated approvals, to zoning bylaw amendments that allow for more missing middle rowhouses, townhouses and infill housing in established neighbourhoods, to inclusive and affordable housing development.

“This significant investment demonstrates our federal partners are eager to enable the city to partner with non-market and private developers to create new homes quickly,” said Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek in the news release.

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