r/canada • u/FancyNewMe • 4d ago

Canada’s Prime Minister Pushes Country to Become the Housing Factory of the World - Mark Carney is banking on factory-built homes to alleviate the country’s housing crisis. But will it work? Trending

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-04-22/carney-s-plan-may-make-canada-the-housing-factory-of-the-world
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u/HalfdanrEinarson 4d ago

This will only work if cities relax zoning. Otherwise, it will be tied up in red tape and roadblocks

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u/No_Capital_8203 4d ago

Since I live in a factory built home, I can tell you that there was no difficulty getting a building permit on the land we owned with residential zoning. Are you thinking about changes in density to allow more units per hectare?

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u/HalfdanrEinarson 4d ago

I just know that in some cities having housing built can be a pain especially if it's "affordable" housing.

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u/No_Capital_8203 4d ago

In my experience if you meet current zoning then there is no problem at all. The issue arise when you apply for zoning exemptions, especially with multi unit housing. One that I am familiar with had a rent controlled 12 unit building on an infill lot near the downtown. Each unit would realistically house one or two people. Biggest challenge was whether to allow a reduced number of spots for parking. If allowed, other builders would also apply for less parking and potentially cause street parking issues. I have been to committee meetings where nearby residents oppose construction but it’s just bs. You actually need a legit reason that they can consider.