How Canada’s New Modest Home Designs Revive Classic Ideas to Combat the Housing Crunch

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Key Takeaways

• The new CMHC catalogue modernises proven post-war housing designs for today’s challenges.
• Fifty low-rise designs, including seven tailored for Alberta, offer practical and cost-effective solutions.
• Standardised plans and streamlined approvals save time and money for builders and homeowners.
• The designs encourage gentle urban density while preserving the character of existing neighbourhoods.
• Collaboration between national initiatives and local efforts, like Calgary’s design challenge, paves a hopeful path forward.

Canada is tackling the ongoing housing challenge by looking to its past for innovative solutions. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has introduced a modernised housing design catalogue featuring 50 practical, low-rise models—each thoughtfully adapted to the diverse regions of Canada, with seven models specifically designed for Alberta.

Reviving Proven Approaches

The new catalogue reignites the spirit of post-war initiatives that once led to the construction of hundreds of thousands of homes. Much like the catalogues of the 1940s and 1970s, these designs emphasise simplicity, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in meeting today’s housing needs.

Designed for Affordability and Speed

Efficiency is key. The designs focus on real-world practicality by streamlining approval processes and standardising plans. Homeowners also benefit from flexible options like accessory dwelling units, which enhance space without compromising affordability:

• Standardised designs that reduce construction costs
• Quick approvals to get shovels in the ground faster
• Innovative layouts for laneway homes, rowhouses, and multi-family units

Opportunity for Broad Impact

Industry experts highlight that even modest savings, such as a five or six per cent reduction in design costs, can have profound effects on the housing market. While these homes may be more modest in scale, they directly address critical shortages and provide new options for both families and renters.

Embracing Collaboration and Local Flexibility

The catalogue has been crafted with local zoning and regulatory diversity in mind. By aligning designs with municipal guidelines, builders can confidently adapt these plans to suit regional needs, ensuring that each project respects the unique character of its community.

Complementary Local Efforts

Local initiatives are also playing a crucial role. For example, Calgary’s design challenge seeks ready-to-build infill plans that complement the national catalogue, further accelerating the approval process and making attractive, pre-approved designs readily available to developers.

A Hopeful Path Forward

While standardised model homes are not a one-size-fits-all solution, they represent a promising step toward easing Canada’s housing shortage. By reducing barriers, simplifying designs, and encouraging thoughtful urban density, these initiatives signal a brighter, more inclusive future—one modest home at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What is the purpose of the new housing design catalogue?

  A: It aims to provide scalable, cost-effective home designs that address Canada’s housing challenges by learning from proven historical models.

• Q: How do these designs promote affordability?

  A: By standardising plans and streamlining approvals, the designs help reduce costs and accelerate construction, making home ownership more attainable.

• Q: Are the designs adaptable to local requirements?

  A: Yes, the catalogue incorporates regional zoning and municipal guidelines, ensuring that each design can be tailored to local conditions.

• Q: Can these designs help address rental shortages?

  A: The inclusion of accessory dwelling units and flexible housing options is expected to expand rental choices and ease market pressures.