Trudeau’s housing strategy triggered an Alberta construction boom that isn’t slowing down

Canada’s Housing Crisis: A Comprehensive Overview

The issue of housing affordability has been a significant challenge for Canada in recent years. Under the leadership of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the federal government introduced various measures aimed at addressing the housing crisis. These initiatives included tax incentives and increased funding to boost the supply of housing, as skyrocketing rent prices and dwindling availability of homes became pressing concerns across the nation. However, with the change in government and an upcoming election, the future of these housing strategies remains uncertain. Despite these uncertainties, other levels of government have taken proactive steps to complement federal efforts.

Calgary’s Approach to the Housing Crisis

One notable example of local government action is the City of Calgary, which approved a citywide rezoning plan in May 2025. This decision followed an extensive public hearing, marking a significant shift in the city’s housing strategy. The rezoning allows for the construction of semi-detached homes, rowhouses, and townhouses on properties previously designated for single-family homes. City officials, including Ward 8 councillor Courtney Walcott, believe this change is essential to tackle the housing crisis by increasing the supply of available homes. Councillor Walcott emphasized that these changes have already resulted in an increase in new housing applications, indicating pent-up demand for development.

Community Concerns and Reactions

However, not all Calgarians are optimistic about the rezoning. Residents of Bowness, a historic neighborhood known for its strong sense of community, have expressed concerns about the impact of increased density. Angie Roorda, a Bowness resident, highlighted the transformation of a proposed double infill development into an eight-plex, which has raised worries about traffic, parking, and strain on local services. Privacy issues have also emerged as a concern, with taller buildings potentially overlooking existing bungalows. Darin Grift, a long-time Bowness resident, expressed fears about the loss of privacy with larger structures being built adjacent to smaller homes.

Affordability and Market Trends

Despite these concerns, recent data suggests that Calgary has experienced the largest decline in rent prices among major Canadian cities, with a 7.5% drop in the cost of one-bedroom units over the past year. Proponents of the housing strategy, like Councillor Walcott, argue that this is evidence that increasing housing supply is effective in stabilizing the market. However, residents like Angie Roorda are skeptical, pointing out that new developments are priced at over $750,000, which remains unaffordable for many given current wage levels. This raises questions about whether the strategy addresses the affordability aspect of the housing crisis.

Innovative Solutions: Technology and Standardization

In an effort to address these challenges, new technologies are being leveraged to transform the homebuilding process. Companies like Promise Robotics are utilizing AI and robotics to construct homes more efficiently. Their innovative approach allows a single-family home to be move-in ready in just three to four days, significantly reducing construction time and minimizing disruption to neighborhoods. Additionally, the federal government has introduced a catalogue of standardized housing designs tailored to Alberta’s climate and building codes, aiming to simplify and accelerate the construction process.

Looking Ahead: Balancing Growth and Community

While these initiatives show promise, the debate over housing development continues. Advocates emphasize the importance of a long-term vision to ensure sustained housing availability. Councillor Walcott encourages residents to look beyond the immediate visual changes and focus on the broader benefits for the community. The challenge remains to balance the need for increased housing supply with concerns about affordability, privacy, and community character. As technology and policy evolve, the ability to address the housing crisis will depend on collaboration between government, developers, and residents to create sustainable and inclusive solutions.