This guide was co-authored by ReHousing and Ha/f Climate Design and funded by the Neptis Foundation
The Low Carbon Guide for Multiplex Conversions was created as an accessible starting point for non-professionals. It offers practical guidance for balancing cost, performance, and carbon impact with a focus on making informed choices about construction materials and building systems like heating and cooling.
Authored by Jens von Bergmann and Nathan Lauster (MountainMath and UBC Sociology), this report explores what zoning might look like if it responded directly to underlying demand for housing — rather than restricting development through outdated low-density rules. Using Vancouver as a case study, the authors model how floor space ratios (FSRs) could be set to meet demand, reduce exclusion, and slow the costly “teardown cycle” that accelerates carbon emissions.
The paper highlights how zoning far below demand not only limits who can live in desirable areas, but also undermines long-term housing resilience. Recommendations call for forward-looking zoning that adapts to changing needs, expands supply, and supports climate goals.
Read how demand-based zoning could reshape housing policy for a more equitable, sustainable future.
Keywords: demand-based zoning; gentle density housing; zoning reform; floor space ratio; Vancouver housing policy; housing demand modelling; exclusionary zoning; teardown cycle; climate impact of zoning; MountainMath
Unlocking the Missing Middle: Harvard’s Three-Part Housing Series
The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard is exploring how “missing middle” housing — the scale between single-family homes and mid-rise apartments — can help address the affordable housing crisis in Massachusetts and across the US. Ideal for urban and suburban infill, these housing types offer flexibility across life stages, budgets, and preferences, but face significant zoning, financing, and cultural barriers.
Part 1, Surveying Missing Middle Housing—Trends in the United States and Massachusetts, examines what these housing forms are, where they’re built, and the major obstacles and opportunities ahead.
The final part of the series will identify additional strategies and resources beyond zoning and regulatory policy—including financing, advocacy, construction innovation, and test fits—that are necessary for a robust middle housing market. Stay tuned for more on this.
Explore how research, policy, and practical supports can unlock diverse, affordable housing options.
Keywords: missing middle housing; gentle density housing; housing policy solutions; affordable housing United States; Massachusetts housing trends; urban infill housing; small-scale multi-unit housing; zoning reform; housing development barriers; Joint Center for Housing Studies Harvard
Reframing the Challenge
CMHC’s latest report marks an important shift in how Canada understands and measures housing need. By focusing on restoring 2019-level affordability by 2035 and introducing a rolling 10-year planning horizon, the report provides a more grounded and practical view of the housing supply challenge.
It also outlines the scale of what’s required: nearly doubling annual housing starts, with a significant portion of that supply needed in the ownership market. These insights offer valuable context for anyone working to increase housing options within existing neighbourhoods—including through small-scale and homeowner-led development.
We encourage all Toolbox users to explore the report and understand the updated figures. It provides a timely and data-rich foundation for shaping local housing strategies.
Sightline Institute – Housing Messaging Resource
This online resource from Sightline is a go-to guide for anyone communicating about housing reform. Drawing on years of field-tested research, it offers practical messaging guides, short educational videos, and key “dos and don’ts” to help advocates, policymakers, and community leaders talk about new housing options in ways that resonate. Whether you’re writing a campaign, speaking with media, or just trying to shift the narrative in your community, this toolkit helps frame the conversation for real-world impact.
Do you have any resources to share?
Do you have materials or resources that can advance collective understanding and action on gentle density housing? Share them here, for review by our project team.
Rethinking Housing: Exploring the Missing Middle
What stands between single-family homes and high-rise towers? The Missing Middle—a diverse mix of housing types that can meet the needs of households across incomes, ages, and sizes.
As part of CMHC’s Housing Supply Challenge, the University of Toronto’s School of Cities worked with 18 housing innovators across Canada to uncover what’s holding back gentle density—and how to scale it up. Their research, led by Dr. Carolyn Whitzman, dives into everything from accessory dwelling units and modular construction to zoning reform and financing tools that can unlock small-scale, affordable housing.
Case studies from Edmonton, Kelowna, and Kitchener highlight real-world approaches to enabling change. This resource also outlines practical policy levers, from ending exclusionary zoning to modernizing codes and simplifying approvals.
The webpage and tools are designed to spark ideas and support early-stage planning. Readers are encouraged to consult local policies and experts before applying these strategies in their own communities.
Unlock New Space at Home: Burlington’s Garage Conversion Toolkit
Thinking about converting your garage into a livable suite? The City of Burlington’s Garage Conversion Toolkit can help you explore what’s possible—whether you’re creating a comfortable space for a family member or planning to rent it out as a secondary unit.
Designed to spark ideas and support early planning, the toolkit features sample layouts for one- and two-bedroom units, an accessible design option, and a Supply List with estimated costs. It also outlines key considerations like zoning, permits, and construction steps—tailored to Burlington’s local context.
While the toolkit is a great starting point for inspiration, always consult your local municipality or a qualified professional to ensure your project aligns with regulations in your area.
Download the toolkit and take the first step toward making the most of your garage.
New Development Cost Charges (DCC) Best Practices Guide Now Available
The Province of BC has released a new Development Cost Charges (DCC) Best Practices Guide to help local governments streamline how they create and manage DCC bylaws. Built in collaboration with local governments and the development community, the guide encourages standard practices while allowing flexibility for unique local needs. It also offers clear, practical advice on how to calculate and administer DCCs using industry best practices.
For elected officials, a companion guide provides a quick overview of key legislative requirements and best practices. There’s also a new Amenity Cost Charges (ACC) Best Practices Guide focused specifically on amenity-related charges.
By adopting the recommended practices, local governments can simplify the provincial review process and build greater transparency and trust with the development community.
Learn more and access the guide today!
More housing, faster — and with less guesswork! 🏘️
CMHC’s new Housing Design Catalogue is a step forward in making gentle density housing easier to build across Canada.
This free resource features ready-to-go designs for row-houses, fourplexes, sixplexes, and accessory dwelling units—designed to work in different regions across the country. This information offers a head start for homeowners, builders and municipalities in their planning processes.
Why does this matter?
✅ It can help reduce design costs and speed up construction.
✅ It supports smaller builders and homeowner-developers who might not have easy access to design expertise.
✅ It helps communities add gentle density in ways that fit existing neighbourhoods.
The full architectural packages will be available this spring—and we’ll be keeping a close eye on how this can support projects right here in BC.
Check out the Catalogue today!
Outils pratiques pour les communautés locales
Vous songez à offrir davantage d’options de logement à votre communauté ? Les Considérations réglementaires relatives à la densification douce – élaborées par Small Housing et la SCHL – est votre feuille de route pour y parvenir.
Cette ressource présente l’histoire de l’habitat à densification douce et propose des mesures aux communautés locales, aux urbanistes, aux élus et aux défenseurs du logement. Qu’il s’agisse d’entamer la conversation ou d’affiner les politiques, ce guide offre des conseils clairs et pratiques pour aider à façonner des quartiers plus inclusifs et plus agréables à vivre.
Téléchargez le guide pour commencer à façonner l’avenir de votre communauté dès aujourd’hui !
