The Housing Crisis in Canada

Canada is experiencing one of the worst housing crises globally, with skyrocketing prices making home ownership increasingly unattainable, particularly for young people. Key factors contributing to this crisis include restrictive zoning laws and inadequate provisions for missing middle housing options, which hinder the development of diverse residential types. This situation contrasts sharply with the Netherlands, which offers some lessons, albeit not always applicable to Canada’s unique context. The conversation emphasizes that while well-meaning policies aimed at controlling growth have been introduced, a holistic approach to urban planning and housing development is still missing.