Halifax Expands Secondary Units Incentive Program to Boost Small-Scale Housing
The Halifax Regional Municipality has updated its Secondary Units Incentive Program by expanding eligibility to non-profits and co-ops, allowing multiple units per property, and increasing grant amounts for water and wastewater costs. Application deadlines have been extended to October 2026.
The Halifax Regional Municipality has announced significant changes to its Secondary Units Incentive Program, formerly known as the Second Unit Incentive Program. These updates aim to support the creation of more small-scale housing options across the region by expanding eligibility criteria and extending project timelines.
Under the revised program, applicants are now permitted to receive funding for more than one secondary unit per property, subject to land use requirements. Additionally, non-profit organizations and housing co-operatives have been added to the list of eligible applicants. Owner-occupants of a one-unit dwelling who live on the property as their primary residence and are up to date on property tax payments remain eligible for the program.
Financial incentives have also been increased. Eligible residents can now receive non-repayable grants of up to $13,000 per unit to help reduce building expenses related to water and wastewater infrastructure. This funding is designed to help offset certain costs associated with building new secondary units, including backyard suites and internal conversions.
To accommodate these changes, the municipality has extended key deadlines. The application deadline has moved from June 1, 2026, to Oct. 11, 2026. Consequently, the construction completion deadline has been extended from Oct. 11, 2026, to April 1, 2027.
The Secondary Units Incentive Program is funded through the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). These measures are part of the municipality’s broader commitment to increasing housing availability and supporting sustainable community development.