In an effort to address Canada's severe housing shortage, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is turning to a piece of history for inspiration. The government is planning to introduce a catalog of pre-approved home designs, a concept that dates back to the 1940s when soldiers returning from World War II needed housing. This initiative aims to reduce both the cost and time it takes to build homes, offering a viable solution to the current housing crisis.
While the new program draws inspiration from the wartime strategy, there are some significant differences. Unlike the simple designs used during the 1940s and 1960s, the government now seeks designs that prioritize density. This means incorporating multiplexes, mid-rises, seniors' homes, student housing, garden suites, and lane-way homes. The catalog will feature multiple designs in each category, providing communities with the flexibility to choose what suits their needs.
During the wartime era, the government established a federal agency to construct the homes, which later became the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). While the new catalog focuses on designs and aims to reduce red tape and costs, the responsibility of actually building the homes will lie with developers, including both large-scale builders and nonprofits. The CMHC will continue to administer federal housing programs but will not directly engage in home construction.
Housing Minister Sean Fraser highlighted that the new catalog will embrace modern approaches to construction. This includes exploring options like modular home designs, panelization, mass timber, and potentially even 3D printing, based on the outcome of consultations scheduled to begin in January.
The Trudeau government's latest announcement comes in response to increasing public outcry regarding the high cost of living in Canada. Soaring home prices and rents have resulted from inadequate housing starts that have failed to keep up with the influx of immigrants. The CMHC estimates that an additional 3.5 million housing units will be required by 2030 to restore affordability.
By revisiting a successful housing strategy from the past and incorporating contemporary design approaches, Canada aims to alleviate its housing shortage and make significant progress towards restoring affordable housing options for its residents.