The federal government has added 56 properties to a new public lands bank of locations that are suitable for long-term leases so developers can build affordable housing.

Housing Minister Sean Fraser made the announcement today in Halifax just ahead of a three-day cabinet retreat intended to prepare for the upcoming fall sitting of Parliament.

Former military bases, Canada Post sites and federal office buildings are among the properties currently included in the public lands bank, many of which were previously set aside for sale as they are no longer in use.