Supporting the development of student housing in downtown Edmonton.
Downtown Edmonton hosts thousands of post-secondary students who bring energy, ambition and opportunity to the city’s core. To support their success and downtown revitalization, we’re launching a program that aims to kick-start student housing developments in the heart of the city.
The $15-million Downtown Student Housing Incentive will support successful applicants with the construction costs for housing built to meet student needs. Pending approval from Edmonton City Council, projects can receive up to $30,000 in capital costs per unit of student housing.
This program is part of the Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan, which supports the creation of housing that the market will not provide on its own, including multi-unit and non-market affordable housing.
Application Period: Now Open!
Projects can be submitted using the documents below:
Email questions to studenthousing@edmonton.ca.
Objectives
A growing number of students are attending post-secondary institutions that have expanded in downtown Edmonton. More dedicated housing for students in this area can help address affordability concerns and provide better access to classrooms, transit, businesses and amenities in the core.
New residential units can also help strengthen the downtown community, boost economic activity and reduce the amount of underdeveloped or vacant land.
This program will prioritize proposals for:
- New buildings
- Developments on infill-ready sites
- Projects in the Warehouse Park area
Program Process
The Downtown Student Housing Incentive follows a structured, time-sensitive process to ensure timely project delivery and alignment with Housing Accelerator Fund requirements. All successful projects must obtain a building permit no later than November 9, 2026.
Application Intake Periods
Applicants must submit their proposals before midnight on the deadline for each intake round:
- Round 1 closes September 30, 2025
- Round 2 closes December 31, 2025
- (If needed) Round 3 closes March 31, 2026
Note: Funding is limited. If all funds are allocated at the conclusion of any selection round, the program will close and no further rounds will be held.
Program Evaluation Period
Each intake round will be followed by an evaluation period (approximately two to three weeks) during which the selection committee will assess applications based on program criteria. All decisions by the selection committee are final and cannot be appealed.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their completed applications to studenthousing@edmonton.ca.
The application package includes:
- Program guide
- Application form (Google Doc) and
- Downtown student housing workbook (Google Sheets)
- Contact studenthousing@edmonton.ca for additional formats
The City may request additional information during the review process. All submitted materials may be shared internally and with relevant government agencies as needed.