It was almost 100 years ago that the Canadian government stopped giving away free land, but some small towns are carrying on the tradition that led to many of the country’s settlements.
Saint-Louis-de-Blandford, for example, a town of just 900 residents, bought land that it divided into 40 lots which were then given away to attract new residents to the town.
The practice helps boost the population of small towns and helps with affordability.
Those who take up the free land must commit to build a house worth at least $125,000 within a year and must have a $1,000 downpayment.
The town’s mayor, Gilles Marchand, said: "We figure this will be an incentive for the young and the less young who want to put their money toward homebuilding."