Canada has taken the unprecedented step of offering billions in infrastructure funds to communities in return for eliminating single-family housing zoning.
The country’s latest budget includes 6 billion Canadian dollars to accelerate new construction. Some 5 billion Canadian dollars of that is set aside as conditional infrastructure funds.
To acquire the funds, the nation’s 10 provinces and three territories must require municipalities to eliminate single-family zoning and allow fourplexes. They also must adopt updates to Canada’s advisory building code and enforce renter and home-buyer protections. The policy has climate benefits as well as encouraging construction of badly needed housing, as fourplexes are more energy efficient than single-family residences.
If Canada’s new policy is successful, it might prompt similar policies in the U.S., as both countries delegate zoning policy to municipalities.
Related Stories
MFPRO+ News | Apr 12, 2024
Greystar becomes top apartment owner, manager, and developer in 2024
One firm set records for this year’s National Multifamily Housing Council Top 50 roundup of multifamily firms. Greystar now sits at number one in the NMHC’s lists for top apartment owner, manager, and developer in 2024.
Student Housing | Apr 12, 2024
Construction begins on Auburn University’s new first-year residence hall
The new first-year residence hall along Auburn University's Haley Concourse.
MFPRO+ News | Apr 10, 2024
5 key design trends shaping tomorrow’s rental apartments
The multifamily landscape is ever-evolving as changing demographics, health concerns, and work patterns shape what tenants are looking for in their next home.
Architects | Apr 2, 2024
AE Works announces strategic acquisition of WTW Architects
AE Works, an award-winning building design and consulting firm is excited to announce that WTW Architects, a national leader in higher education design, has joined the firm.
Affordable Housing | Apr 1, 2024
Biden Administration considers ways to influence local housing regulations
The Biden Administration is considering how to spur more affordable housing construction with strategies to influence reform of local housing regulations.
Affordable Housing | Apr 1, 2024
Chicago voters nix ‘mansion tax’ to fund efforts to reduce homelessness
Chicago voters in March rejected a proposed “mansion tax” that would have funded efforts to reduce homelessness in the city.
Standards | Apr 1, 2024
New technical bulletin covers window opening control devices
A new technical bulletin clarifies the definition of a window opening control device (WOCD) to promote greater understanding of the role of WOCDs and provide an understanding of a WOCD’s function.
Adaptive Reuse | Mar 30, 2024
Hotel vs. office: Different challenges in commercial to residential conversions
In the midst of a national housing shortage, developers are examining the viability of commercial to residential conversions as a solution to both problems.
Student Housing | Mar 27, 2024
March student housing preleasing in line with last year
Preleasing is still increasing at a historically fast pace, surpassing 61% in February 2024 and marking a 4.5% increase year-over-year.
Adaptive Reuse | Mar 26, 2024
Adaptive Reuse Scorecard released to help developers assess project viability
Lamar Johnson Collaborative announced the debut of the firm’s Adaptive Reuse Scorecard, a proprietary methodology to quickly analyze the viability of converting buildings to other uses.
