The City of Humboldt is pursuing an expanded housing initiative under the federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), following its February 2025 report to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) confirming compliance with program requirements.
In a joint review of the report, the CMHC and the City determined that Humboldt is on pace to exceed its original housing targets. As a result, the City was invited to propose a new initiative to qualify for additional grant funding. The proposed South Area Structure Plan (SASP) was approved by CMHC on March 20, 2025.
The SASP aims to guide long-term development in the city’s southern region by providing a high-level overview of future infrastructure needs and land use. The plan must be finalized and submitted to CMHC by August 28, 2025.
Originally, the SASP focused on the area south of 1st Avenue North, between 14th Street and 4th Street, extending south of Saskatchewan Avenue. The scope has since been expanded to include land east of Peck Road and south of the industrial area.
The plan outlines several key components:
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Road Infrastructure: Saskatchewan Avenue, currently a gravel road from 14th Street to 3rd Street, is identified as the only road within the SASP area requiring upgrades. Final decisions on road improvements will be made at a later date.
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Stormwater Management: The plan incorporates recommendations from a 2021 stormwater study, including proposed locations and estimated sizes of storm ponds. Although subject to change, the report suggests storm ponds should be designed to manage approximately 800 cubic meters of water per hectare.
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Land Use: While developers will determine specific land uses during the subdivision process, the plan ensures alignment with the City’s Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw. The included “development concept” is intended to be illustrative rather than prescriptive.
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Bylaw Implementation: The SASP will not impose new development requirements but will be adopted by bylaw to formalize the City’s approach to consistent and transparent urban growth.
The City has initiated a communication and engagement process, sending letters to landowners within the plan area. While no feedback has been received to date, a second opportunity for public comment will be available prior to bylaw adoption. Notices will be posted at City Hall, on the City’s website, and through Discover Humboldt, which serves as the media component.
Financially, the CMHC projects the SASP could facilitate the creation of seven additional housing units, qualifying the City for an estimated $226,000 in additional funding over the next three years. The City completed the plan internally, minimizing development costs.
With this initiative, Humboldt continues to advance its goal of increasing housing availability, positioning itself ahead of federal targets while securing further support for future growth.