Commentary
Beyond Shelter: A Multi-Stakeholder Approach to Canada’s Housing Crisis
Reza Farkhondehpay*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 3, September 2024
Pages:
58-70
Received:
13 June 2024
Accepted:
2 July 2024
Published:
15 July 2024
Abstract: The affordable housing crisis in Canada has reached a critical juncture, with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and communities across the nation. As property prices soar and income levels fail to keep pace, an increasing number of Canadians find themselves struggling to secure suitable housing. This opinion article argues that addressing the affordable housing crisis requires a comprehensive approach that involves the collaborative efforts of governments, architects, and builders. The article examines the multifaceted nature of the affordable housing crisis, highlighting its impact on various socioeconomic groups and the challenges faced in finding solutions. It emphasizes the importance of affordable housing in fostering economic stability, promoting health and well-being, bolstering educational outcomes, and nurturing social cohesion and community development. The government's role in addressing the housing affordability crisis is discussed, focusing on the burden of government fees and taxes, zoning and regulatory compliance, and proposals to mitigate their impact. The article advocates for reforming fees, implementing policy alterations, and adopting a proactive and collaborative approach to create a more conducive environment for affordable housing development. The architects' role in addressing the housing affordability crisis is explored, highlighting the potential of architectural design competitions in promoting innovation, community engagement, and recognizing excellence in affordable housing design. The article emphasizes the importance of architectural innovation and creativity in envisioning and designing sustainable, community-centric housing solutions that cater to residents' psychological and social needs. The role of builders and developers in addressing the housing affordability crisis is also examined, with a focus on integrating sustainability for cost reduction, adopting new construction methods and materials, forming public-private partnerships for sustainable housing projects, and investing in education and training for sustainable practices. The article concludes by emphasizing the urgent need for a collective commitment to action, demanding bold leadership, creative thinking, and unwavering determination to build a future where every Canadian has access to safe, adequate, and affordable housing. It underscores the importance of a holistic approach that addresses the direct and indirect factors contributing to the housing affordability crisis, ultimately cultivating a more equitable and sustainable housing market that benefits current and future homeowners while bolstering the overall economic and social well-being of the nation.
Abstract: The affordable housing crisis in Canada has reached a critical juncture, with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and communities across the nation. As property prices soar and income levels fail to keep pace, an increasing number of Canadians find themselves struggling to secure suitable housing. This opinion article argues that a...
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