Reviving a Classic
In an effort to address Canada’s housing shortage, the federal government has unveiled the first renderings from its upcoming Housing Design Catalogue. This initiative, reminiscent of the post-war Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) catalogue, aims to streamline housing construction with pre-approved, cost-efficient designs. While the program has national implications, British Columbia’s unique housing challenges make it a particularly compelling case study for how this approach could be put to use.
A Look Back: The Post-War Housing Boom
The idea of a government-backed housing design catalogue isn’t new. In the years following World War II, CMHC introduced a catalogue featuring standardized home designs to quickly and affordably house returning soldiers and their families. This initiative played a major role in shaping many Canadian suburbs, offering practical designs that met the needs of a rapidly growing population.
Fast-forward to today, and we find ourselves in another housing crisis—this time driven by population growth, supply shortages, and affordability challenges. With the government revisiting this concept, it raises an important question: Could BC leverage this approach to tackle its housing challenges?
Why BC Needs a Streamlined Housing Solution
British Columbia, particularly Metro Vancouver, is one of the most expensive real estate markets in North America. Housing supply has struggled to keep up with demand, and permitting delays often stall new developments for years. The new Housing Design Catalogue could help in several key ways:
- Speeding Up Approvals: One of the biggest bottlenecks in BC’s housing market is the lengthy municipal approval process. If local governments were to pre-approve select designs from the federal catalogue, developers and homeowners could fast-track construction, reducing overall project timelines.
- Reducing Costs: Standardized designs allow for economies of scale, making it easier to build cost-effective homes. Given BC’s high construction and land costs, any reduction in build time and complexity would be welcome relief.
- Encouraging Missing Middle Housing: The catalogue includes designs for multi-unit buildings like fourplexes and townhouses - exactly the type of “missing middle” housing BC needs to accommodate its growing population while maintaining livable communities.
- Supporting Smaller Developers and Homeowners: Large-scale developers aren’t the only ones who struggle with red tape. Homeowners looking to build laneway houses or duplexes could benefit from pre-approved designs, making it easier and more affordable to add gentle density to existing neighborhoods.
BC’s Own Standardized Housing Initiative
British Columbia is already taking steps toward a more standardized approach to homebuilding. The provincial government recently released its own set of standardized housing designs, which align with its goal of increasing density and reducing approval times. These designs focus on multi-unit housing, such as fourplexes and townhouses, and could work in tandem with the federal catalogue to further streamline development.
By integrating both the provincial and federal standardized design programs, BC could create a more efficient, scalable approach to housing construction. This would not only accelerate building timelines but also provide more predictability for developers and homeowners alike.
What Needs to Happen Next?
While the concept has promise, its success in BC will depend on how local municipalities embrace it. Some key steps include:
- Municipal Adoption: Cities like Vancouver, Surrey, and Victoria should explore ways to integrate these designs into their zoning and permitting processes.
- Customization for BC’s Needs: Designs must consider BC’s unique geography, climate, and seismic requirements.
- Incentives for Use: Offering faster approvals or reduced fees for projects using catalogue designs could encourage adoption.
Final Thoughts
The revival of a federally-backed housing design catalogue presents an exciting opportunity for British Columbia. Coupled with the province’s own standardized housing initiative, it could help address affordability, speed up development, and create more diverse housing options across the province.
As the government releases more details and municipalities begin considering their role, it will be worth watching how BC responds. With the right approach, this initiative could be a game-changer for the province’s housing future.
View CMHC Housing Design Catalogue Here >>
