The Government of Canada is set to launch discussions in early January 2024 to start an innovative housing design catalogue initiative to help tackle the country’s housing shortage. According to recent research, nearly 17% of Canadians are living in homes that are too expensive to afford based on their household incomes.
This fresh approach aims to expedite home construction by establishing standardized housing designs, initially focusing on low-rise structures.
It seeks to investigate the potential for a comprehensive catalogue supporting higher-density constructions like mid-rise buildings and diverse housing forms such as modular and prefabricated homes. Additionally, the government plans to aid municipalities, provinces, and territories in implementing their own housing design catalogues.
Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure, and Communities, emphasized, “To boost housing production, we must revolutionize construction methods in Canada. We’re modernizing the concept of a housing catalogue, previously employed during housing crises, to propel us forward in the 21st century.
This recent decision mirrors a strategy reminiscent of a Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CHMC) initiative from post-World War II. During that time, the federal Crown corporation developed housing design catalogues to expedite home construction, catering to the needs of returning veterans.
Referred to as “victory homes” or “strawberry box homes,” this substantial federal endeavour between the 1950s and 1970s was pivotal in combating housing shortages and construction limitations. Numerous homes built during this period still exist across Canada today, a testament to the impact of this initiative.
This shift will expedite future developments and leverage innovative construction techniques, making a tangible impact on community-building efforts nationwide.”
During these consultations, the government intends to actively involve partners and stakeholders from the housing sector to gather their insights and expertise.
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