Minister Kahlon Unveils $250M Infrastructure Fund to Accelerate Transit-Oriented Housing

VANCOUVER, BC — Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon announced the launch of the $250 million Transit-Oriented Development Infrastructure Acceleration Fund Thursday, providing direct provincial grants to local governments to upgrade underground utilities near designated SkyTrain and rapid bus stations.

Utility Infrastructure Grants and Housing Density Targets

Under statutory frameworks enacted through Bill 47, local governments across Metro Vancouver, the Capital Regional District, and Kelowna are required to designate Transit Oriented Areas (TOAs) permitting residential buildings up to 20 stories within 400 meters of rapid transit stations. The new capital fund covers up to 100 percent of municipal engineering costs for water main expansions, wastewater pump upgrades, and district electrical connections needed to support high-density development.

Minister Kahlon confirmed that priority will be given to municipal applications that integrate dedicated below-market non-profit rental housing and on-site childcare spaces.

Municipal Mayors and Development Industry Praise

Mayors from Burnaby, Coquitlam, and Surrey commended the grant program, pointing out that utility infrastructure deficits have been the single largest obstacle to translating transit zoning into completed homes.

The Urban Development Institute stated that the provincial fund will prevent costly development cost charges (DCCs) from inflating purchase prices for first-time homebuyers.

Application Portals and Funding Awards

Municipalities can submit phase-one infrastructure grant applications through October 31, 2026, with the first round of capital awards announced in December.