Canada Housing Report Card Reveals Failing Grades on Affordability and Supply
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A recent report titled "The Report Card on More and Better Housing" evaluates the efforts of Canada's federal and provincial governments in addressing the housing affordability crisis. The assessment is based on progress toward 140 policy recommendations from the Task Force for Housing & Climate, focusing on five key areas: legalizing density, improving building codes, accelerating factory-built housing, avoiding construction in high-risk areas, and addressing market gaps. The findings reveal that no province scored above a C+, indicating a general lack of effective action to increase housing supply and affordability.
Quebec and British Columbia achieved the highest overall grades of C+. Quebec was commended for its strong regulations against building in flood-prone areas but received lower marks for legalizing density and updating building codes. British Columbia was noted for its initiative to legalize single-egress apartments but faced criticism for high municipal fees and prolonged approval processes. Ontario received a C grade, with challenges including high development fees and slow progress in affordable housing, despite some advancements in legalizing higher-density housing. Alberta scored the lowest with a D+, primarily due to its failure to adopt improved building codes and regulate construction in flood-prone areas, though minor reforms were noted in Calgary and Edmonton.
The report underscores the urgent need for provincial governments to take more decisive action in implementing housing policies that address affordability and supply issues. While some provinces have made incremental progress, the overall lack of substantial reforms highlights a critical gap in meeting the housing needs of Canada's growing population. The report calls for a more coordinated and aggressive approach to housing policy to ensure that future housing demands are met effectively.
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