VULCAN, AB, Sept. 9, 2026 /CNW/ -- Far too many Canadians are struggling to find homes they can afford. Solving Canada's housing crisis requires immediate action to bring down costs, cut red tape, and build homes more quickly. The Government of Canada is stepping up with a bold new approach to build affordable housing across the country. We are focused on building great neighbourhoods that Canadians want to, and can afford to live in.

Central to that work, the Government of Canada has launched Build Canada Homes, which is helping increase the pace of affordable homebuilding. Build Canada Homes is also helping fight homelessness by building transitional and supportive housing – working with provinces, territories, municipalities, and Indigenous communities. It is building deeply affordable and community housing for low-income households, and partnering with private market developers to build affordable homes for the Canadian middle class.

As part of the Government of Canada's broader efforts to respond to the housing crisis, investments are being made across the housing continuum to respond to the needs of communities across Canada.

Today, the federal government, along with the Government of Alberta, the Town of Vulcan and the Marquis Foundation announced more than $35 million in combined funding to help build 62 new seniors' residences in Vulcan. This includes $23.4 million from the federal government through the Affordable Housing Fund. The new three-storey building is intended to replace the Peter Dawson Lodge and will be located at 451 Elizabeth Street. The new building will have 43 studio, three two-bedroom and 15 one-bedroom suites, and a one-bedroom guest room. The new homes will be located close to several amenities, including next to the Vulcan Community Health Centre.

The new building has been designed so that residents can age in place to keep seniors close to their families. All common areas and bathrooms will be barrier free, and doorways and hallways will be wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs. Amenities will include full-time integrated support and services for the tenants as well as 68 parking stalls. Construction will begin in late September and the homes will be complete in 2028.

The announcement was made by the Honourable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State, Seniors, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada alongside Thomas Grant, Mayor, Town of Vulcan, Jason Scheinder, Reeve of Vulcan County, Kelly Nelson, Chair of the Marquis Foundation.

The Government of Canada is making the housing investments that will help strengthen Canadian supply chains and create good jobs at every step of the homebuilding process – helping to build more homes and a stronger Canadian economy at the same time.

Quotes:

"This project will help seniors stay in their community, remain close to their families, and age with dignity. For older persons living Vulcan, it is another step forward in our bold, ambitious plan to build Canada strong."  – The Honourable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State, Seniors on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

"Alberta's seniors built the communities and province we are proud to call home. Our government is taking action to ensure they can age with dignity, close to family, friends and the supports they rely on. This new residence reflects Alberta's commitment to creating safe, accessible homes for seniors in communities across the province." – Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services and Minister responsible for Housing

"This new seniors' lodge in Vulcan is about more than bricks and mortar; it is about ensuring our elders can age safely, comfortably, and with dignity in the rural Alberta communities they call home.

Through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), we are accessing critical federal housing programs and financing that make this project viable. Our local municipalities—the Town of Vulcan, Vulcan County, and surrounding villages—have been essential partners, providing funding, and on the ground support. This lodge is a true example of how federal, provincial, and municipal governments can work together with community organizations to deliver tangible results for seniors in rural Alberta." – Kelly Nelson, Chair, Marquis Foundation

Quick Facts:

• The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) provided funding through low-interest and/or forgivable loans or contributions to partnered organizations for new affordable housing and the renovation and repair of existing, affordable and community housing. This was a $16.1 billion program under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) that gave priority to projects that help people who need it most, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people living with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, Veterans, and young adults. The application portal for AHF is now closed as all funding has been committed.
  • As of June 2026, the Government of Canada has committed $15.83 billion to support the creation of over 61,922 units and the repair of over 173,560 units through the Affordable Housing Fund.
  • On September 19, 2025, the Government of Canada announced $1.5 billion top-up in loans for the AHF's New Construction Stream, to support the creation of over 5,000 new units starting in 2025-26. Additionally, the AHF's Rapid Housing Sub-Stream will be accelerated, by pulling $385 million in funding from future years. 
• Funding provided for 451 Elizabeth Street is as follows:
  • $23.4 million from the federal government, through the Affordable Housing Fund
  • $8.3 million from the Government of Alberta
  • $1.4 million from surrounding municipalities
  • $143,000 from the Town of Vulcan in kind
  • $141,000 from the County of Vulcan in kind
  • $1.7 million from the Marquis Foundation

Additional Information:

• Visit canada.ca/housing for the most-requested Government of Canada housing information. 
• Build Canada Homes is ready to partner with organizations committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing across Canada. Learn more about the portal and the Investment Policy Framework.
• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is a federal Crown corporation and the foundation of Canada's housing system. For over 80 years, CMHC has supported the functioning of housing markets across the country through housing finance solutions — including mortgage loan insurance and securitization — while providing trusted, unbiased data, research and market intelligence to inform policy and decision making. Through its national presence, deep expertise in housing economics and finance, and a system-wide perspective, CMHC helps foster a more stable, well-functioning housing market that supports households, communities and the broader economy.
• Follow us on X, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

SOURCE Government of Canada