Municipal regulations have strangled housing construction across Canada for decades. To end the housing crisis, we need to eliminate the regressive policies at its root.
Homes are a necessity, not a nuisance. Townhouses, multiplexes and apartments should be allowed in far more places without a long and risky rezoning.
Setbacks, floorplate restrictions and parking minimums drive up building costs and kill new housing projects. Easing these regulations will help market and non-market housing.
There are too many veto rights on new housing. Local concerns are important but they do not trump the need for housing.
Deeply affordable housing requires deep subsidies. Federal and provincial governments need to step up and provide this funding.