Reviving a Post-War Solution to Tackle the Housing Supply Crisis
In an innovative move to combat the escalating housing supply crisis in Canada, the federal government is resurrecting a strategy not seen since the post-World War II era. Housing Minister Sean Fraser recently announced the relaunch of a housing design catalogue initiative, a concept that proved effective from the 1950s through the 1970s when Canada previously faced a similar housing shortage.
This 21st-century version of the housing catalogue will focus initially on low-rise constructions, aiming to streamline and expedite the building process. The initiative may eventually expand to include higher density constructions such as mid-rise buildings, and explore various construction methods including modular and pre-fabricated homes. Furthermore, the federal government is seeking to support local governments across provinces and territories in developing their own housing design catalogues.
Minister Fraser emphasized the necessity of this initiative: "To build more homes faster, we need to rethink our approach to home construction in Canada. By reintroducing the housing catalogue concept from our past and updating it for today's needs, we aim to accelerate future developments and embrace innovative construction methods. This will significantly impact community building across the nation."
The government's plan will involve consultations starting in early January, bringing together various government levels, the private sector, housing experts, and industry stakeholders. The idea resonates with the National Housing Accord's call for the reintroduction of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) pre-approved design catalogue. This strategy is seen as a way to not only quicken the approvals process but also to foster innovation in the homebuilding sector.
Dr. Mike Moffatt, a key figure in the National Housing Accord and Senior Director of Policy and Innovation at the Smart Prosperity Institute, has lauded this move. He believes the initiative could be "massively beneficial" if implemented boldly. According to Moffatt, the housing construction process in Canada is currently labor-intensive and inefficient, with each project being unique. A standardized design catalogue could simplify the entire process, from building to financing and approvals, by allowing certain types of buildings to receive pre-approvals that could be applied across different locations, thus cutting through bureaucratic red tape.
The benefits of such a catalogue extend beyond simplifying the approvals process. It could potentially reduce labor requirements, boost productivity, and enhance innovation in the sector. Furthermore, it could play a crucial role in increasing the energy efficiency of new homes, contributing to environmental sustainability.
For this initiative to truly transform the housing sector, Moffatt emphasizes that the government must ensure the designs are labor-efficient, incorporate new technologies, go beyond just single-detached homes, and be ambitious in terms of energy efficiency and climate resiliency.
As Canada faces a significant housing supply challenge, this innovative approach, rooted in historical success, could be a game-changer in addressing current needs and shaping the future of housing in the country.
