Alberta’s Housing Report Card: A Call to Action for Change
Recent evaluations of Canada’s housing landscape have revealed concerning trends, particularly in Alberta, which has been given the lowest grade among the provinces. According to the "Report Card on More and Better Housing," Alberta received an overall grade of D+ due to its ineffective strategies in addressing crucial housing issues. This report, commissioned by the Task Force for Housing and Climate, aims to motivate provinces to take action, as housing affordability and climate resilience become ever more pressing concerns.
An Overview of the Report
The report was authored by Mike Moffatt, a key figure at the University of Ottawa’s Missing Middle Initiative, and it assesses the performance of the provinces across five critical categories related to housing. While Alberta languishes at the bottom of the grading scale, provinces like Quebec, British Columbia, and Prince Edward Island achieved C+ ratings, while the federal government fared better, earning a grade of B.
Moffatt stressed the importance of reforming Alberta’s building codes, promoting factory-built housing, and addressing the province’s challenges in flood-prone areas during a news conference. He highlighted that bureaucratic hurdles have complicated home building, which hampers progress.
The Five Criteria Scored
The report evaluated each province based on five essential criteria, providing an in-depth look at various aspects of housing development:
-
Legalizing Density: This involves allowing for more compact living structures such as fourplexes and small apartments. Alberta scored a C-, with the federal government leading at a B.
-
Improving Building Codes: This category is focused on promoting energy-efficient housing options. Alberta received a D, while British Columbia took the lead with an A.
-
Accelerating Factory-Built Housing: The push for a manufacturing sector that produces better housing materials at lower costs left Alberta with a D-, in stark contrast to the federal government’s A.
-
Avoiding High-Risk Areas: Addressing climate-related risks through hazard mapping and better location choices for new developments scored Alberta a D, matched only by British Columbia. Ontario and Saskatchewan excelled, receiving A grades.
- Filling In Market Gaps: The need for affordable housing options resulted in Alberta receiving a C, while Prince Edward Island ranked highest with an A.
Leadership Issues
One of the notable criticisms highlighted in the report is a lack of leadership at the provincial level. Former deputy leader of the Conservative Party, Lisa Raitt, who co-chairs the Task Force for Housing and Climate, emphasized the urgent need for government initiatives focused on sustainability and resilience. She stated, "Canada needs more homes, and they must be homes that meet the needs of today—affordable, climate-aligned, and resilient to floods, wildfires, and extreme heat."
Areas of Improvement
While Alberta’s overall score was disheartening, Moffatt recognized encouraging signs in Edmonton and Calgary, where municipal governments have taken commendable steps toward reform. Both cities have implemented measures to enhance zoning laws and allow for greater density, thereby facilitating faster housing development.
Edmonton stands out as a pioneer, having created an automated approvals process using artificial intelligence. This innovation reduces the permit approval timeline from six weeks to just six hours. Such initiatives demonstrate the potential that exists within urban centers to lead the way in addressing these challenges, even if the provincial framework lags behind.
Future Directions for Alberta
In light of the current report’s findings, Moffatt expressed optimism for future evaluations, aiming to showcase progress made in the housing space. "Partly this is an accountability exercise, but we also want to highlight the successes of certain provinces, with hopes they can be replicated elsewhere," he stated.
Conclusion
Alberta’s dismal report card on housing not only serves as a wake-up call for provincial leaders but also underscores the need for comprehensive action to tackle climate risks and improve housing affordability. The provinces must collaborate, adopt best practices, and prioritize policies aimed at building homes that fit the unique challenges of today’s world. Only then can Canada hope to meet the growing demand for housing that is sustainable, affordable, and resilient to an ever-changing climate.
