Mississauga is ramping up efforts to expand rental housing by increasing financial support for developers building affordable units. City Council has approved a major funding boost to the Affordable Rental Housing Community Improvement Plan (CIP), raising the program’s budget from $44 million to $70 million. The additional investment is expected to help move more than 3,600 new rental units into construction, including 545 homes with more affordable rents.
First adopted in July 2024, the CIP was created to speed up the delivery of purpose‑built rental housing by offering grants and fee reductions to private and non‑profit developers. These incentives help offset the high upfront costs of construction, particularly for projects that include below‑market units. With strong demand from builders and homeowners, the City is using its third instalment of the federal Housing Accelerator Fund to expand the program and keep momentum high.
Interest in the CIP has been strong across the city. In addition to supporting large rental developments, the program also funds gentle‑density initiatives. Council has approved an extra $1 million to continue rebates for homeowners adding second, third or fourth units on their properties. To date, more than $562,000 in rebates have been issued, supporting over 580 new residential units and several fourplex applications.
“Housing affordability is one of the most pressing issues facing our city and Mississauga is taking decisive action,” said Mayor Carolyn Parrish. “Expanding the Affordable Rental Housing CIP is about supporting the development of more rental homes that people can actually afford. We are leading the charge and using every tool to deliver real housing solutions for our residents.”
City staff echo that sentiment. According to Andrew Whittemore, Commissioner of Planning and Building: “The strong demand we have seen for the Affordable Rental Housing CIP shows that this program is working. Increased funding allows the City to turn that momentum into action by supporting more shovel‑ready projects, accelerating construction timelines and ensuring that housing dollars translate into new rental homes for Mississauga.”
The CIP is one piece of a broader housing strategy that includes reduced development charges for rental units, long‑term planning through Mississauga Official Plan 2051, and actions outlined in the City’s housing plan and the Mayor’s Housing Task Force.
