Ottawa unveils housing design catalogue update

The federal government has provided an update on the Housing Design Catalogue, a key initiative under Canada’s Housing Plan aimed at expediting housing construction. The first iteration, launching in December 2024, will feature up to 50 conceptual designs, including row housing, fourplexes, sixplexes, and accessory dwelling units.

Two architectural firms, MGA | Michael Green Architecture and LGA Architectural Partners Ltd., were selected through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process to create these designs. The government is also inviting submissions from the prefabricated housing industry until November 8, 2024.

The catalogue seeks to reduce approval times and streamline construction by providing standardized designs. The project is part of broader efforts to tackle Canada’s housing crisis by accelerating building times and lowering construction costs. Minister Sean Fraser emphasized the urgency of building more homes quickly to ensure affordable housing for all.