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End the housing game - a proposal by housing Canada

For more information, check out https://www.endthehousinggame.ca/plan


Canada is currently grappling with a severe housing crisis, characterized by soaring property prices, a shortage of affordable housing, and a growing number of individuals facing homelessness. In response to these pressing challenges, the Housing Canada Coalition has introduced a comprehensive 10-point action plan aimed at creating a robust housing safety net and addressing the systemic issues plaguing the housing market. This plan seeks to implement both immediate and long-term strategies to ensure that every Canadian has access to safe, adequate, and affordable housing.​



1. Create an Immediate Housing Safety Net

The coalition emphasizes the necessity of establishing an immediate housing safety net to shield Canadians from the adverse effects of economic downturns and labor market disruptions. This involves enhancing income supports for households allocating more than 30% of their income to housing. Such measures could provide direct financial assistance to approximately 250,000 renter households annually, thereby preventing evictions and homelessness during economic adjustments. ​Kelowna Real Estate


2. Protect Renters from Falling into Homelessness

With over 3 million Canadian households relying on rental housing, the plan proposes the creation of acquisition funds that enable non-profits to purchase at-risk rental buildings. This strategy aims to preserve affordable rental units that might otherwise be lost to renovictions or redevelopment, ensuring that renters remain securely housed. ​Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association+2Kelowna Real Estate+2Housing and Infrastructure Canada+2


3. Double the Share of Community Housing

Community housing currently accounts for under 4% of Canada's housing stock, a figure significantly lower than in countries like the Netherlands (30%), Austria (24%), and Denmark (21%). The coalition's plan aims to double this share to 8% through various mechanisms, including investments in affordable housing projects and support for non-profit housing providers. ​Kelowna Real Estate


4. Ensure Access to Land and Infrastructure

Access to suitable land and infrastructure is critical for developing new housing projects. The plan advocates for policies that facilitate the availability of land and the necessary infrastructure to support housing developments, thereby streamlining the construction process and reducing associated costs. ​


5. Create Resilient Housing Material Supply Chains

The recent imposition of tariffs on building materials has exacerbated the housing affordability crisis by increasing construction costs. For instance, tariffs on Canadian lumber have raised the cost of building new homes in the U.S. by an average of $9,200. Developing resilient supply chains that can withstand such trade barriers is essential to stabilize material costs and maintain housing affordability. ​Reno Gazette Journal+2New York Post+2National Association of Home Builders+2


6. Develop a Housing Skills Agenda

Addressing the housing crisis requires a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of increased construction activity. The coalition proposes the development of a housing skills agenda that includes workforce planning and skills training tailored to the needs of the housing sector. Programs like the Community Workforce Development Program can serve as models for such initiatives. ​Government of Canada


7. Reform Taxes to Facilitate Home Building

Taxation policies significantly impact housing development costs. In regions like the Greater Toronto Area, taxes and fees can constitute up to 35.9% of the cost of a new home. Reforming these taxes to reduce the financial burden on developers can encourage the construction of more affordable housing units. ​STOREYS






8. Streamline Permissions to Accelerate Home Building

Lengthy and complex approval processes can delay housing projects and increase costs. Streamlining permissions and adopting more efficient approval mechanisms can expedite construction timelines and reduce expenses, ultimately contributing to increased housing supply. ​Canadian Home Builders' Association+1Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation+1



9. Accelerate Innovation in Housing Construction

Innovative approaches to housing construction, such as modular housing and sustainable building practices, can reduce costs and improve efficiency. Investing in research and development, as well as supporting initiatives like the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund, can drive advancements in the housing sector. ​Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association


10. Expand Indigenous Housing Initiatives

Indigenous communities, particularly those in urban, rural, and northern areas, face unique housing challenges. The plan includes measures to rapidly expand housing options for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, addressing critical shortages and improving living conditions. ​Kelowna Real Estate+1Housing and Infrastructure Canada+1


Conclusion

The Housing Canada Coalition's 10-point action plan presents a multifaceted approach to tackling the nation's housing crisis. By addressing immediate needs and implementing long-term strategies, the plan aims to create a resilient housing system that ensures all Canadians have access to safe, adequate, and affordable housing. Collaboration among government entities, non-profit organizations, and the private sector will be essential to realize these objectives and build a more equitable housing landscape.​


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