1. Program Overview
The Building Permit Reimbursement Program is a municipal housing incentive designed to encourage the creation of net-new residential housing units within the Harvey Rural Community (HRC). The program reimburses eligible municipal building permit fees for qualifying projects that add to the overall housing supply.
This program is intended to:
- Support housing growth and community sustainability;
- Encourage a range of housing forms to meet diverse needs;
- Reduce upfront development costs associated with new construction; and
- Complement provincial and federal housing initiatives.
This program is not income- or affordability-tested and applies to market housing that results in a net increase in residential units as outlined in the Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) as undertaken by the HART group on behalf of HRC.
2. Program Objectives
The objectives of the Building Permit Reimbursement Program are to:
- Increase the number of residential housing units within HRC;
- Encourage efficient use of land and existing infrastructure;
- Support a diverse set of new housing types;
- Reduce barriers to residential construction; and
- Align with Council’s housing and growth priorities.
3. Eligible Housing Types
Reimbursement is available for net-new residential units, including but not limited to:
- Single-detached dwellings
- Semi-detached dwellings and duplexes
- Multi-unit residential buildings (e.g., apartment buildings)
- Secondary suites and accessory dwelling units (ADUs), where the unit is newly created and results in a net increase in housing units
Net-New Housing Definition
A net-new residential unit is defined as a self-contained dwelling unit created through new construction that increases the total number of residential units within HRC.
The following are not eligible:
- Renovations or alterations to existing units that do not create additional dwelling units;
- Replacement of an existing dwelling with a single new dwelling (one-for-one replacement);
- Temporary structures or any/all non-residential uses.
4. Eligible Costs
The program provides reimbursement of eligible municipal building permit fees, including:
- Residential building permit fees related to eligible projects
Only fees paid directly to Harvey Rural Community via the building permit process are eligible. Provincial fees, utility connection fees, inspection fees outside municipal authority, and development charges (if applicable) are excluded unless outlined.
5. Reimbursement Amount
- Reimbursement will be provided per paid permit.
- Reimbursement is limited to the actual municipal building permit fees paid.
6. Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for reimbursement, projects must:
- Be located within the Harvey Rural Community boundary;
- Comply with all applicable zoning, building, and safety regulations;
- Receive a valid municipal building permit;
- Result in the creation of one or more net-new residential units;
- Have received a building permit after January 1st, 2026
7. Application Process
Step 1: Building Permit Application
Applicants must apply for and receive a municipal building permit in accordance with standard procedures.
Step 2: Program Application
Applicants may submit a Building Permit Reimbursement Program application only after the permit has been paid and issued.
Proof of payment, permit approval, and the Refund Application Form must be submitted to receive reimbursement.
Step 3: Review and Payment
Administration will verify eligibility and issue reimbursement via direct deposit in accordance with approved program guidelines.
8. Timing of Reimbursement
Reimbursements are issued after project completion, subject to:
- Confirmation that net-new residential permit has been paid;
- Verification that all permits have been approved;
- Filled completed Refund Application Form; and
- Program is active.
9. Program Limits and Funding
- Participation is subject to available municipal funding (approved annually).
- Council may limit the number of projects or units approved annually.
- Approval of reimbursement does not guarantee future participation.
10. Administration and Authority
- The program is administered by municipal staff under the authority of Council.
- Council may amend, suspend, or terminate the program at any time by resolution.
- Administration may develop application forms, internal procedures, and reporting tools to support program delivery.
11. Reporting and Review
This program will be reviewed annually as part of the HRC budget process.
HRC may review the program after an initial implementation period to assess effectiveness and make adjustments as needed.
12. Contact Information
For more information or to apply, please contact:
Harvey Rural Community Administration
admin@harveyruralcommunity.ca