When all else fails, try finding answers to today’s problems in the ol’ history textbooks.
What happened: The federal government is rolling out a catalogue of pre-approved home designs to speed up housing development in the midst of a nationwide shortage — one that continues to fuel some of the most expensive housing costs seen across all G7 nations.
- The idea is ripped straight from Canada’s post-war housing strategy that dates back to the 1940s, a time when returning soldiers were struggling to find places to live.
- These efforts shouldn’t be confused with the full intervention that happened after the war, including direct involvement in building, buying, renting and managing homes.
Why it matters: Canada needs 5.8 million homes by 2030 to restore affordability, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. But for over a year now, housing experts have been saying there’s zero chance that happens without sweeping, top-down changes.
- Unlike post-war designs, the government is looking for high-density blueprints — think multiplexes, mid-rises, student housing, garden suites, and lane-way homes.
Bottom line: The federal government has faced serious backlash over the high cost of living lately, as record-high immigration continued to outpace the number of homes built. The response is a start, but fixing housing will likely take more than approved designs.—SB