Stories

A new book documents the “retrofitting” of obsolete suburban malls, box stores, office parks, parking lots, motels, and more.

123 teams from across Canada propose solutions to tackle housing supply challenges.

Canadian housing data is often outdated, inconsistent and not openly available. What can we do about that?

Six tips to find the right partner to advance your housing supply solution.

Toronto wants to add garden suites to its expanding tool kit of options for boosting the supply of homes in established neighbourhoods that are rich in amenities such as schools and transit but don’t have much in the way of affordable or rental housing.

Toronto is on track to have about 100 new laneway houses this year and the newest builds are a creative way to increase rental housing options in the city.

The role of the planning professional in a sustainable, affordable, and equitable housing policy and design is more critical than ever. When people are not able to afford to live in the community in which they work, it can result in undesirable sprawl in surrounding communities, and even with an excellent transit system, increased traffic on roadways.

Urban dwellers have been fantasizing about escaping to the suburbs and countryside since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. But while the virus is reshaping our cities, they will still be centres of growth and vibrancy in the years to come.

In partnership with the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association of Canada (NAIMA Canada), the Centre for Urban Growth + Renewal has developed an online training resource to help workers in the construction industry become more familiar with retrofitting in occupied buildings.

The Centre for Urban Growth + Renewal has released a new “Field Guide” designed to assist apartment owners, the construction industry and apartment residents navigate retrofit construction projects in Canada.

Could preserving older buildings be an effective affordability strategy?

A Vancouver builder is urging the city to take a look at building what he calls “tiny townhomes” on small vacant lots throughout the city as one possible solution to rising homelessness and persistent tent cities.

This Policy Lab report outlines policy options to facilitate access to affordable and adequate housing for seniors living in rural areas, with particular attention to low and middle-income seniors.

Communities pivot away from fossil fuels for heat and electricity generation.

5 Canadian cities test the emerging Housing First model and help over 1,000 people move into safe, stable and affordable housing, with many remaining a decade later.

Planting trees to ponder carbon dioxide is a known strategy, could the next step be wooden buildings ?

Using architecture as a tool for reconciliation could lead to social change when engaging in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action.

As urban centres face housing shortages and skyrocketing prices, parasitic structures could open the door to a whole new way of living in cities.