In another exciting milestone for Good Earth Builders, we are proud to share that our work has been featured by MSN, one of the world’s top news platforms. The article, titled “Meeting Calgary’s Housing Demand: Good Earth Builders Leads Multi-Family Development Under CMHC’s MLI Select Program”, highlights our leadership in sustainable multi-family construction and how we are helping address Calgary’s growing housing demand.
Let’s dive deeper into what this feature means, what the CMHC MLI Select program is, and why this moment is another powerful step in our mission to build responsibly, affordably, and sustainably.
Why Calgary Needs More Rental Housing
Canada has been welcoming record numbers of immigrants, and Calgary is quickly becoming one of the most desirable destinations for newcomers. According to 2023 data from Statistics Canada, over 100,000 new residents moved to Alberta, with Calgary receiving a significant share.
This population boom is driven by employment opportunities, education, and lifestyle appeal. However, the housing infrastructure has not kept pace. Calgary’s rental vacancy rate remains under 2%, creating serious challenges for new residents and driving up costs.
With home ownership becoming less affordable for many, there is an urgent need for quality rental housing. Multi-family developments—like apartment buildings, townhomes, and condominiums—are the most effective solution to house more people in a cost-efficient, sustainable way.
What is the CMHC MLI Select Program?
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) introduced the MLI Select program to combat the national housing crisis. The program provides developers with favorable financing terms when they construct rental housing that meets specific criteria in affordability, accessibility, and energy efficiency.
Key Benefits of MLI Select:
- Extended amortization periods (up to 50 years)
- Lower mortgage insurance premiums
- Higher loan-to-value (LTV) ratios
- Faster application approvals
To qualify, developers must meet at least one of the following:
- Affordability: A percentage of units must be offered below market rent.
- Accessibility: A portion of units must be accessible or adaptable.
- Energy Efficiency: The building must meet or exceed specific energy performance standards.
This means developers can do the right thing for communities while maintaining a strong financial return.
Multi-Family Housing: The Future of Urban Development
Calgary’s growing urban population requires smarter land use. Multi-family buildings align perfectly with the city’s future:
- They use less land per unit compared to single-family homes.
- They create walkable, connected communities.
- They reduce infrastructure strain (e.g., roads, utilities).
- They offer more accessible and affordable housing options.
Under MLI Select, a builder might construct a 60-unit apartment with 20% of units offered below market rate, 10% designed for accessibility, and the entire building ENERGY STAR certified. This kind of project would enjoy top-tier MLI Select incentives, making it easier to finance and more attractive to social impact investors.
Good Earth Builders: Pioneering a Better Calgary
As featured in MSN, Good Earth Builders is leading the charge in responsible, sustainable housing development. We have adopted the CMHC MLI Select program to deliver affordable, energy-efficient, and accessible rental housing projects that meet Calgary’s evolving needs.
Our CEO, Usman Bashir, has long believed in combining smart urban design with environmental and social responsibility. Under his leadership, Good Earth Builders has become a model for modern construction practices that place people and the planet first.
From duplexes to large-scale 4-plex and 8-plex developments, our portfolio continues to grow—not just in size, but in impact. We are not just building homes; we are building communities.
How Developers Can Join the Movement
If you are a builder or investor considering Calgary’s booming rental market, here is how to get started with the MLI Select program:
- Research Suitable Property: Choose a site with strong demographics, transit access, and zoning that supports multi-family development.
- Align with CMHC Criteria: Decide how your project can meet affordability, accessibility, or energy-efficiency standards.
- Apply Through Approved Lender: Submit your project to a CMHC-approved lender.
- Start Building: Once approved, start construction and maintain the required standards.
- Comply and Report: Regularly report progress to ensure program compliance.
This roadmap reduces project risk and aligns your development with both city needs and national housing goals.
Why This Recognition Matters
Being featured by MSN, following recent features by USA Today and the International Business Times, affirms our standing as an innovator in Canadian construction.
This recognition means:
- Our work is making a difference.
- Media leaders trust and value our efforts.
- Clients and communities can have greater confidence in our approach.
We’re proud, but we’re not stopping here.
Final Thoughts: A Win for Calgary, A Win for Everyone
Calgary’s growth calls for smart, scalable housing solutions. Through the CMHC MLI Select program, developers like Good Earth Builders can:
- Reduce costs
- Improve communities
- Align with Canada’s sustainability and affordability goals
We believe in building a better tomorrow, and with every project, we’re doing just that. Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or fellow developer, we invite you to join us in reshaping Calgary’s housing landscape—responsibly, sustainably, and affordably.
For more, read the full MSN article here.
Explore our current and upcoming projects at goodearthbuilders.ca/OurProjects
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to grow, innovate, and get recognized on the global stage.
