Small projects need fair loans.

What we found

The published boundary is four units.

The federal private mortgage-insurance rules define an eligible home property as one to four units. This is not a ban on every loan for a larger building. [2]

Ottawa has proposed a wider route.

Finance Canada sought views on private insurance for five-to-eight-unit buildings and more scope for new three- and four-unit homes. The comment window ended on July 2, 2026. [1]

Our case for change

We want more people to build, rent and own. A sound small project should not need a big firm’s clout to get a fair hearing. Finance must fit the homes and shops we want, with clear terms and a real check on risk.

A small rule can shape a whole project.

The published regulation we checked is current to September 21, 2026. Its one-to-four-unit boundary helps define which loans can use this insurance route. Other routes can exist. It does not tell us their price or whether a given project qualifies.

[2]

Turn the proposal into a clear choice.

The June 2026 proposal aims to add private insurer choice for five-to-eight-unit homes. It also aims to help people finance new three- and four-unit homes.

We support opening these routes. Publish the final rules, start date and who can apply. Then show loan terms, use and losses. The closed comment page is not proof the change has taken effect.

[1]

Count more than standard home loans.

Our wider ask includes homes for sale, rental buildings, shops and mixed-use sites. A building with shops below and homes above needs a clear route too. This federal proposal alone does not settle those loans.

Publish the cash needed up front, each payment stage, fees, security and reasons for refusal. Test the gap when a factory needs payment before a home reaches its site. Match real offers for the same project before claiming savings.

The strongest challenge to our case

Some projects should be refused. Bad budgets, weak demand and cost overruns can hurt borrowers and lenders. More competition is not a promise of cheap money for every plan. Public backing must have a loss budget. Do not hide risk in a guarantee.

What we want changed

Open the small-building route
Finish and publish the response to the federal proposal. Let more sound small projects compete for finance.
Make loan offers clear
Require a simple cost and payment sheet. Show why a loan was refused and how the applicant can seek a fresh review.
Measure the missing projects
Publish loan results by project size and type. Include firms that gave up before applying. Separate homes, shops and mixed-use sites.