Embracing Densification: Transforming Suburban Canada for the Affordable Housing Crisis

In addressing Canada's pressing affordable housing crisis, the suburbs, often overlooked in favor of bustling cities, emerge as key areas for potential development and transformation. Despite their mundane appearance and low-density, car-dependent layouts, the suburbs house the majority of Canadians, forming the backbone of our residential landscape.

Photo cred: environmentaldefence.ca

The Suburban Potential

Our suburbs, characterized by generous spacing and traditional planning, present a prime opportunity to address the nationwide accommodation shortage. This approach aligns with changing perspectives on urban living, affordability, and sustainability.

A Shift from Past to Present

Historically, post-war suburban expansion represented a dream for many Canadians. However, this dream has been challenged by various modern-day factors such as climate change, congestion, and rising living costs. Today's reality sees a resurgence of urban living, which, coupled with a sclerotic development industry and slow-moving government policies, has pushed housing costs to unattainable levels for many.

The Urgency of Affordable Housing

The need for affordable housing is critical, yet it often clashes with the interests of established homeowners. Recent movements, like Toronto City Council's legalization of multiplexes, signal a shift towards more inclusive planning, despite resistance from suburban residents. The growing population projections underscore the urgency of this transformation.

Densifying the Suburbs

Areas like Mississauga exemplify the potential for suburban densification, with underutilized spaces like malls and parking lots ripe for redevelopment. Efforts by leaders like Bonnie Crombie and Hazel McCallion have laid the groundwork for a more urbanized suburbia. However, challenges remain, including affordability, public transit needs, and cultural shifts from individualism to community-focused living.

Addressing Housing as a Commodity

The current housing market, driven by investor purchases and the financialization of housing, exacerbates the crisis. This is evident in Toronto and Vancouver's condo markets and initiatives like Core Development Group's move to acquire rental homes. Such trends underscore the need for a paradigm shift in housing policies.

Learning from Global Examples

Internationally, countries like Finland demonstrate successful government-led housing initiatives, highlighting the role of public sector intervention in providing housing for low-income families. This contrasts sharply with the private sector's focus in Canada.

A Call to Action

This housing crisis presents a unique opportunity to reshape Canadian suburbs and cities, aligning them with the demands of modern living and climate change. It's time to discard outdated planning models and embrace new, more sustainable approaches. By learning from this emergency, Canada has the chance to evolve into a nation that truly reflects its values and aspirations.

Stay tuned to our blog for more insights and updates on the evolving landscape of Canadian real estate.