Include condominiums in federal housing programs
Petitioners ask the Government of Canada to let condo corporations access low‑interest federal loans or grants for major repairs and to include condominiums in federal housing programs. The government responds that some retrofit and green programs may apply, budgets are exhausted, and it will consult on additional financing and refer applicants to provinces.
Why we would sign this petition
- Provides direct funding to address urgent, costly repairs that many condo owners cannot afford, helping keep buildings safe and habitable.
- Closes a gap by explicitly including condominiums in federal housing programs, aligning federal support with the diversity of housing types.
- Grants or low‑interest loans could preserve existing housing stock and reduce displacement by enabling major repairs rather than demolitions or sales.
Why we wouldn’t sign this petition
- Expanding federal loans and grants would require new spending or guarantees and could be costly for taxpayers.
- Housing and building regulation are shared with provinces; federal programs may overlap or face implementation and coordination challenges.
- Aid might unevenly benefit some condo communities; targeted, means‑tested or provincially managed alternatives could be more efficient or fair.
The summary and both sets of reasons are AI-generated from the petition and given equal weight. Claims are the petitioners’ own; consult the official record for the full text.
Official petition
Petition to the Government of Canada Aging condominium buildings across Canada are experiencing deterioration of building envelope and structural systems that require urgent and costly remediation; The high cost of construction has made it hard for many condo owners—families and individuals alike—to afford these repairs; The federal Affordable Housing Fund for renovations does not include condominiums, even though condos are an important form of housing for many Canadians; According to the 2021 Census, condos make up 15% of all homes in Canada; and Leaving condos out of federal housing programs leaves a major gap in efforts to protect and upgrade Canada’s existing housing. We, the undersigned, citizens and residents of Canada, call upon the Government of Canada to 1. Allow condo corporations to apply for low-interest government loans to help pay for necessary repairs; 2. Create support programs—such as grants or low-interest loans—for condo owners who face big one-time repair bills; and 3. Ensure that federal housing programs reflect the diversity of housing models in Canada, including condominiums. 1. Allow condo corporations to apply for low-interest government loans to help pay for necessary repairs; 2. Create support programs—such as grants or low-interest loans—for condo owners who face big one-time repair bills; and 3. Ensure that federal housing programs reflect the diversity of housing models in Canada, including condominiums.
Government response
Response by the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada Signed by Jennifer McKelvie, M.P. The Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their concerns?about programs and funding initiatives for repairs associated with condominium buildings in Canada. The Government of Canada recognizes that many aging apartments and condominium buildings may face considerable repairs and that the associated financial pressures can place a sizeable burden on residents. The Government currently offers support that may be applicable towards major repairs, renovations, and retrofits for multi-unit and condominium buildings. The Government of Canada’s Retrofit Hub and the list of Green Building Programs and Funding provide resources to help plan, finance, and implement retrofit projects that support improved energy efficiency and decarbonization measures in multi-unit residential buildings. The Government of Canada has previously provided support for renovations, retrofits and energy efficiency upgrades for multi-unit residential buildings, including in some cases for condominium buildings, through programs like the Canada Greener Homes Loan. The budgets for these programs have been fully allocated and they are not accepting new applications. In the 2026 Spring Economic Update, the Government announced its intention to consult on possible additional financing measures to support the continued supply of more owner-occupied homes in advance of Budget 2026. The full spectrum of rental and owner-occupied housing, including condominium buildings, is essential to delivering on the Government of Canada’s goal of supporting more housing supply and affordability across the country. Housing in Canada is a shared responsibility between different levels of government. As such, the petitioners are encouraged to contact their provincial and territorial governments, as well as their respective provincial and territorial housing authorities for information about potential programs, financing tools, and initiatives that may be available to support major repairs or upgrades associated with condominium buildings. The concerns outlined in the petition provide valuable feedback and will be taken into consideration as the Government of Canada continues to refine its housing programs. Once again, the Government of Canada thanks the petitioners for sharing their concerns.