Build Canada Homes (BCH) has announced the launch of the Canada Rental Protection Fund (CRPF) and confirmed that the Canadian Housing Acquisition Fund (CHAF) has been selected to deploy the program’s $1.5‑billion federal investment. The announcement establishes the sector‑led vehicle that will support community housing providers in acquiring and preserving at‑risk rental properties across the country.
The CRPF is designed to help non‑profit, co‑operative, and Indigenous housing organizations acquire, renew, and retain existing affordable rental homes that may otherwise be lost to redevelopment or rising rents. The fund operates as a revolving model, allowing repaid capital to be reinvested into future acquisitions. BCH estimates the initiative could protect up to 7,000 rental homes in its first five years, with additional acquisitions as capital cycles back into the fund.
The launch comes as Canada’s rental housing sector continues to experience sustained pressure. Demand for rental homes is increasing, and affordability is declining across major markets. For rental operators and community housing organizations, preventing the loss of existing affordable units has become a key priority, as these homes are costly and slow to replace once removed from the market.
Announcing CHAF’s selection, Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson said: “Every Canadian deserves a place to call home. That is why our new government is taking decisive action to protect affordable rental housing through the Canada Rental Protection Fund, helping preserve affordable homes and ensuring more Canadians can remain in their communities.”
CHAF’s founding members—the Canadian Housing Renewal Association, NICHI, the Co‑operative Housing Federation of Canada, and the BC Rental Protection Fund—bring established acquisition experience and sector expertise.
“The Canada Rental Protection Fund reflects the Government’s commitment to safeguarding affordable housing while ensuring strong stewardship of public funds,” said Ana Bailão, Chief Executive Officer, Build Canada Homes. “By investing in a sector-led model, we are supporting an independent organization with the expertise and capacity needed to act quickly in competitive markets. We are confident the Canadian Housing Acquisition Fund will generate meaningful and lasting results for Canadians by protecting the homes they rely on.”
CHAF has launched its online intake portal, with eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and timelines now available.
