Welcome to the Gentle Density Toolbox!
Join us in building a repository of insights and innovations that shape the future of inclusive and sustainable gentle density housing, delivering homes that people want, need, and deserve.
Our Mission
The Gentle Density Toolbox aims to be a comprehensive suite of resources, showcasing leading practices and insights into gentle density housing, with a focus on action across British Columbia.
The Toolbox actively encourages users to explore new resources, engage with colleagues and contribute your own materials to propel the momentum of gentle density development.
The site map provides an overview of what you can find and where.
Get started!
There are a few ways you can start using the Gentle Density Toolbox.
Choose your path:
- By audience type: Tailor your journey by selecting resources relevant to you and your interests.
- By exploring the resource library: Dive into our extensive resource library and let curiosity be your guide.
Discover by type or topic:
Explore geographically:
- Use our interactive map available on each resource page to uncover location-based resources & insights.
- Blue pins denote local resources, yellow denote provincial / statewide resources, & maroon denote national /federal resources.
Gentle Density Network
The Gentle Density Network is a community of practice for local government planners in BC to advance gentle density initiatives. We host in-person and online events aimed at building our collective knowledge network, sharing resources, and promoting innovation.
The Planners Forum is our home for online dialogue amongst local planners to support this work.
Small Housing BC
The Gentle Density Network and the Toolbox are initiatives of Small Housing.
We are a non-profit organization with a mission to catalyze the evolution of single-detached neighbourhoods that provide ground-oriented homes, equitable for all.
We do so through research, technical advising, advocacy and capacity building efforts with government and industry partners.
What is Gentle Density Housing?
Residential, predominantly single-detached neighbourhoods in British Columbia have become increasingly unattainable for the majority of the population.
One way to address this is through gentle density – the concept of increasing density by building smaller, more affordable homes in a way that is compatible with the existing built environment and neighbourhood. This includes backyard cottages, laneway homes, secondary suites and infill duplexes, triplexes and quad-plexes.
CMHC: Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation
The Gentle Density Toolbox was made possible through funding from CMHC, which offers flexible financing and expert advice to support the promotion and preservation of affordable housing in Canada.
The Gentle Density Toolbox was specifically funded by CMHC’s Housing Supply Challenge, aimed at creating lasting local impact on affordable housing pre-development. The challenge encourages innovative, implementable solutions, fosters collaboration among diverse groups to overcome barriers, and prioritizes people-centered design to meet the needs of those impacted.
For more information on their project funding, visit the CMHC website.
CMHC Disclaimer: The project “Gentle Density Housing Accelerator” (The Gentle Density Toolbox) received funding from the Housing Supply Challenge – Getting Started Round, however, the views expressed are the personal views of the author and CMHC accepts no responsibility for them.
Start exploring the Toolbox!
