So it seems like everyone has forgotten about this so called standardized housing catalogue the government of Canada was supposed to release.
On December 12th, 2023 in an attempt to address Canada’s housing crisis the federal government launched consultations to revive version of a wartime housing effort. For any of you wondering what a strawberry home or victory home is: Strawberry box homes are small, simple, rectangular houses built quickly and affordably, often during housing shortages. Victory homes are modest, mass-produced houses built during or after World War II to address housing shortages for returning soldiers and their families. These homes were simple, affordable, and functional, often located in suburban neighborhoods. Former housing minister of Canada, Sean Fraser, introduced this idea of a standardized housing catalogue over a year ago.
On October 12, 2024 an update on the progress of this catalogue was given by the federal government of Canada: Minister Fraser announced that the first iteration of the catalogue will be launched in December of 2024 and include up to 50 conceptual designs commissioned by the federal government. These designs will include row housing, fourplexes, sixplexes, and accessory dwelling units that builders will be able to use to simplify and speed up the delivery of housing across the country. Not to hate on Sean Fraser but just remember he served as the minister of immigration, refugees and citizenship from 2021-2023 which was when the real problems of Canada’s immigration woes started.
It should be noted that the federal government’s Budget 2024 provided $11.6 million in 2024-25 to support the development of the Housing Design Catalogue for up to 50 designs to simplify and accelerate housing approvals and builds. Where’s our 11.6 million dollar standardized housing catalogue and who’s to blame?!?!