Through our new Affordable Housing Concierge Program, the City provides dedicated resources to help developers and housing providers navigate complex development processes and policies, making it easier to build and maintain long-term affordable housing in Richmond Hill.

This program is an important part of the City’s Affordable Housing Strategy and a Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Action Plan initiative committed to as part of an agreement with the federal government through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

Our Concierge program offers a One-Window Affordable Housing Support available to everyone, and an Affordable Housing Concierge Service available to select clients who meet certain affordable housing criteria.  

One-Window Affordable Housing Support 

Affordable housing developers and providers often face complex regulations, shifting policies, and multi-level government requirements throughout the development process. Securing the necessary funding and approvals can take significant time and expertise, making it important to understand the landscape and connect with the right resources.

To overcome these challenges, Richmond Hill has created an Affordable Housing Concierge Pilot Program to serve as a single-point contact to:

• answer questions and provide guidance on affordable housing programs;
• support both nonprofit and for-profit developers in identifying development and funding opportunities; and
• connect developers with potential affordable housing partners.

The City has developed the Handbook for Developing Affordable Housing as a key resource for housing providers and developers. It outlines affordable housing thresholds, incentive programs, and potential funding partnerships, helping organizations navigate the development process and access available supports.

Enhanced Concierge Service

Nonprofit housing corporations or organizations in partnership with nonprofit groups or other levels of government may qualify for enhanced service through the Affordable Housing Concierge program. This service includes:

• Prioritized planning application processing to fast-track development timelines;
• Dedicated City support to guide projects through planning and building approvals; and
• Collaboration with other levels of government and project partners as needed.

Affordable Housing Coordination staff are available to discuss potential projects, respond to inquiries and to review Enhanced Concierge Service project eligibility requirements.

Please contact us for more information or if you are considering an affordable housing project proposal.