Port Coquitlam, BC – May 7, 2026…The City of Port Coquitlam is preparing to launch its new Pre-Development Funding (PDF) Grant Program in mid-April 2026 to help advance the development of non-market affordable rental housing in the community. The program is designed to provide early-stage financial support to eligible non-profit housing providers to help move viable projects closer to construction.
“Affordable housing remains one of the most pressing issues facing communities across the region, and cities need to use every tool available to help move projects forward,” said Mayor Brad West. “This program is about supporting non-profit housing providers at a critical early stage so more affordable rental homes can get closer to becoming a reality in Port Coquitlam.”
“Our Government is committed to giving communities the support they need to drive housing supply and bring down housing costs,” said Ron McKinnon, Member of Parliament for Coquitlam-Port Coquitlam, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada. “I congratulate the City of Port Coquitlam for developing this program to decrease pre-development costs, which will help to accelerate housing starts. It’s proof that the Housing Accelerator Fund is helping communities move from planning to building faster.”
The PDF Grant Program supports Council’s priority to advocate for increased affordable housing and responds to housing needs identified in the City’s Housing Needs Report. At a time when funding is increasingly competitive, the program is intended to strengthen project readiness, support a strong intake of well-aligned applications, and improve the ability of local non-profit housing providers to pursue future provincial and federal funding opportunities.
The City initiated the program with funding from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) through the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF). Council has allocated up to $300,000 in total funding, which will be awarded through a competitive application process. The PDF Grant Program is one of several initiatives supported through the Housing Accelerator Fund, through which the City was approved for up to $12 million to help accelerate housing and related city-building initiatives.
“This program recognizes that some of the most important work in housing happens long before construction begins,” said Councillor Glenn Pollock, council designate for housing. “By helping non-profit housing providers with early planning and project development costs, we can support stronger applications and help more affordable housing projects move ahead in Port Coquitlam.”
Eligible applicants must:
be registered non-government non-profit organizations;
be the long-term operator of the proposed housing;
be proposing affordable rental housing;
have secured a site in Port Coquitlam; and
have a preliminary project concept in place.
Funding may be used for early-stage project work such as:
site assessments and due diligence;
environmental or geotechnical studies;
architectural or design work;
planning or feasibility analysis;
stakeholder engagement; and
pre-development project coordination.
Construction costs are not eligible.
Projects must support affordable rental housing and align with identified priorities, including serving low-, median- or moderate-income households and priority populations such as youth, seniors, single-parent families, working individuals, and other groups identified in the City’s Housing Needs Report. Projects with a strong family-friendly housing component and projects outside the downtown core may receive higher scoring.
The City will open application period will open on May 11 and close on June 1. Full program details, including eligibility requirements, submission instructions and deadlines, will be released as part of the official launch. Following the intake period, applications will be reviewed and funding recommendations will be brought forward to Council for decision.
For more information, visit portcoquitlam.ca/pdfprogram.
