Press Release – For Immediate Release
April 17, 2025
CHIF Funding Request from Freshwinds
In response to questions from the community, the Municipality is providing further information on the funding request.
TANTRAMAR, NB – At the Regular Council Meeting on April 8, 2025, the Municipality of Tantramar reviewed a formal request from Freshwinds Eco-Village Housing Co-operative seeking municipal partnership on a funding application under the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF).
The CHIF program, administered by the Regional Development Corporation (RDC), is a 10-year infrastructure fund supported by federal and provincial governments. It is designed to support infrastructure projects that directly enable housing development, such as water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste systems.
Freshwinds requested the municipality submit an application for infrastructure upgrades related to its proposed 63-unit housing development on Fairfield Road in Sackville. The proposal included upgrades to municipal infrastructure such as water services, stormwater systems, sidewalks, and to the lift station.
After careful consideration and discussion, Council voted not to proceed with a municipal partnership on the funding application. This decision was informed by several key factors, including:
- With substantial infrastructure needs of its own including major upgrades to the Sackville wastewater lagoon required by 2030. Entering a partnered application at this time could reduce the chances of critical future municipal applications being approved.
- The potential financial impact on both the general and utility capital budgets.
- Given the program was only announced on March 5, 2025, staff have not yet received all the necessary information to fully evaluate its implications.
“We fully recognize that housing is one of the most urgent needs in our region—and we’re committed to supporting innovative, community-driven solutions,” said Mayor Andrew Black. “This was not an easy decision. We greatly appreciate the vision of Freshwinds and the work they’ve put into this project. Council’s responsibility is to manage infrastructure capacity strategically, and we must ensure that the municipality is positioned to meet its long-term priorities.”
The Municipality has previously supported Freshwinds in their pursuit of housing solutions, including providing letters of support for successful funding applications. Tantramar’s Economic Development Incentive Program remains available to eligible developers, including Freshwinds. Staff will continue to work with the Regional Development Corporation (RDC) on future funding opportunities that address local housing needs. The municipality remains committed to supporting collaborative, climate-conscious, and community-focused housing initiatives and will continue to provide letters of support for non-profit organizations working to address the housing shortage in Tantramar.
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For more information, contact:
Jeremy McLaughlin
Communications Officer
Municipality of Tantramar
J.Mclaughlin@TantramarNB.com