⭐ Our BuildCanadaHomes.org Analysis:
Takeaway:
The discussion surrounding the potential of prefab modular housing technologies to address Canada’s chronic housing supply crisis is both timely and significant. With insights from Gaetan Royer of Massive Canada, the article highlights the inefficiencies of traditional homebuilding processes, which often lead to prolonged construction timelines and inflated costs. Royer emphasizes that modular construction could streamline these processes, enabling homes to be built rapidly while fostering job creation and promoting sustainability. His recognition of the multi-faceted nature of the housing crisis indicates that while modular technology is a promising solution, it should be part of a broader strategy encompassing various innovative approaches.
For Ontario’s home builders, developers, and skilled trades, the rise of modular construction presents a compelling opportunity to embrace modernization and efficiency. The potential to complete a six-storey building in under 12 months could significantly alter the project timelines and cash flow dynamics in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and beyond. An actionable takeaway is for local stakeholders to consider integrating prefab approaches into their upcoming projects to enhance competitiveness and responsiveness to demand. This matters for Ontario’s construction business owners as adapting to innovative practices not only meets pressing market needs but also positions them as leaders in a more sustainable and economically viable construction landscape.
Canadian homebuilding hasn’t changed much in decades—a challenge now front and centre amid Canada’s housing supply crisis. Could new prefab modular housing technologies help meet the growing demand?
Gaetan Royer, CEO of Massive Canada and featured speaker at CREA PAC Days 2025, joins REAL TIME host Shaun Majumder to explain how modular construction offers a forward-looking solution to improving homebuilding efficiency and unlocking supply.
A former military engineer with 40 years of global experience spanning architecture to urban planning, Royer affirms that prefab technology can reduce building costs and create new jobs while delivering sustainable and affordable homes.
Majumder opens the conversation with three key questions: “How fast can we build? How many do we need to build? What are the barriers?” Royer responds by outlining Massive Canada’s objectives, describing the situation as “an awesome opportunity” to build better through modular housing’s innovative construction techniques, advanced materials and streamlined processes.
One thing is not going to solve the housing crisis. A lot of things need to happen. Modular is going to help.”
Gaetan Royer, CEO Massive Canada
Royer on construction in Canada: “Every time I come out of a building under construction, resolving an issue that’s been taking place, I shake my head. Three years ago, I was invited to join a group looking at innovating construction materials, and decided to grow this group, from just dealing with construction materials to dealing with how we build, and understanding the problem of how low productivity is on a typical construction site.”
Royer adds, “We still, to this day, build things by hand, piece by piece. On a large project like a six-storey building, there are millions of pieces brought individually and assembled by tradespersons. Sometimes they get in the way of each other, and sometimes there’s delays. So, it takes two and a half to three years to build a typical building.”
Those lessons drive Massive’s mission to optimize construction through modular technology and efficiency. “In our system, we set out to complete a six-storey building under 12 months. This is our goal — and we’re going to get there.”
So, how are we going to get there? Is modular housing the key to building Canada’s homes better, faster, and ultimately increasing supply? Discover Gaetan Royer’s insights shared with REAL TIME host Shaun Majumder—listen to the full episode now. A transcript is also available on CREA.ca/podcast.
Source: Read the original article at CREA Café | Building Better: Can Prefab Modular Housing Ease Canada’s… on www.crea.ca
