Earlier this year, the Canadian government unveiled a housing plan that aims to tackle the persistent issue of housing unaffordability head-on. With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing a hefty $600 million investment, the focus is on innovative technologies to expedite the construction of homes. This funding is not just a drop in the bucket; it’s a strategic move to utilize modern methods of construction (MMC), such as prefab and modular homes, which can be built faster and at lower costs. The use of materials like mass timber, along with advancements in robotics and 3D printing, is set to revolutionize how homes are built in Canada.
The promise of rapid house delivery and reduced environmental impacts is enticing, but let’s not kid ourselves—this is not a silver bullet. Canada’s housing crisis is multifaceted, and while innovative construction technology is part of the puzzle, it’s far from the whole picture. It’s clear that a comprehensive strategy is required, one that goes beyond just funding and incorporates policy reforms that align the interests of federal, provincial, and local governments, as well as industry stakeholders.
Emerging technologies like prefabrication and modular construction can lead to significant savings in both time and costs, while also slashing carbon emissions. For instance, mass timber, particularly cross-laminated timber (CLT), serves as a renewable, low-carbon alternative to traditional building materials, drastically reducing a building’s carbon footprint. And let’s not overlook the staggering potential of 3D concrete printing, which can cut material waste by up to 90 percent. The international success stories of these modern methods demonstrate their capability to produce high-quality construction in record time. Yet, the road to widespread adoption in Canada is riddled with obstacles, including bureaucratic red tape and misaligned incentives.
One of the biggest hurdles is the glacial pace of regulatory approvals. In Canada, getting projects greenlit can take up to three times longer than in the United States, with the country ranking 37 out of 38 in municipal approval processes according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Add to this the restrictive zoning policies that exacerbate housing shortages, and it’s clear that simply throwing money at the problem won’t cut it.
A holistic approach is essential. Municipalities need the tools and resources to fast-track approvals and implement progressive policies that allow for higher density and inclusionary zoning. Without these reforms, even the most innovative building techniques will struggle to make a dent in the housing crisis. Furthermore, it’s crucial to tackle speculative activity in the housing market, which often prioritizes profit over people. This includes taxing profits from rapid property sales and ensuring that housing remains accessible to those who need it most.
The provinces also hold significant power in shaping housing through land use planning and building codes. However, the lack of alignment between provincial and federal priorities often leads to delays and inefficiencies. A federally-led framework could serve as a game-changer, linking various stakeholders under a unified vision for housing policy. Just as the Canada Health Act ensures provinces adhere to essential principles in healthcare, a similar framework for housing could tie federal funding to measurable outcomes and compliance with progressive zoning regulations.
Currently, Canada’s National Housing Council (NHC) plays an advisory role, but its limitations hinder its effectiveness. Expanding its mandate to facilitate active intergovernmental collaboration could streamline zoning regulations and approval processes, ultimately addressing systemic inefficiencies. Local communities need tailored solutions that reflect their unique challenges, whether in rural, suburban, or metropolitan settings.
In essence, Canada stands at a crossroads. By scaling up modern methods of construction and developing comprehensive guidelines for prefabricated, modular, and 3D-printed housing, the nation can transform housing from a privilege into a right for all. It’s a tall order, but with federal leadership and a collaborative approach, the dream of accessible housing for every Canadian can become a reality.
