Ottawa to Offer Universities, Colleges Low-Cost Loans to Build New Student Housing

Ottawa to Offer Universities, Colleges Low-Cost Loans to Build New Student Housing
Housing Minister Sean Fraser speaks to the media during the federal cabinet retreat in Montreal, on Jan. 22, 2024. (The Canadian Press/Christinne Muschi)
The Canadian Press
Updated:
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Housing Minister Sean Fraser says post-secondary institutions will be able to apply for low-interest loans to build student housing starting this fall.

Post-secondary institutions will have access to a pre-existing program that offers developers low-cost financing to build rental apartments.

The Apartment Construction Loan Program was topped up with an additional $15 billion this fall, bringing the total funding available to $40 billion.

Mr. Fraser is making the announcement on Jan. 29 alongside other cabinet ministers as the House of Commons returns after a winter break.

The announcement comes as the federal government grapples with a ballooning international student program that has added strain to local housing markets.

Last week, the federal government announced a two-year cap on international student enrolments that would reduce the number of new permits approved this year by 35 percent.