Information from: Government of Canada, National Housing Strategy, Forbes
Written by: Mya Gámez
The Growing Demand for Affordable Housing
Affordable housing provides the stability and security required for positive overall well-being. Canada has been facing a growing affordability crisis due to the increasing home price in recent years. Research suggests that as economic pressures continue to rise, addressing this increasing demand will require a unified effort to balance the affordability, sustainability and regulations of the housing industry. A combined effort is essential for ensuring a more accessible market.
The Government of Canada is working to meet the high demand for residences and help Canadians who cannot afford a home by focusing on several key strategies to help accelerate the construction of homes, reduce costs, and ensure a sustainable future for the housing market. A large focus among these categories is to build affordable housing with the needs of students, seniors, persons with disabilities, and equity-deserving communities in mind, in addition to the long-term goals of economic stability and eliminating chronic homelessness in Canada.
Priorities for Action
The National Housing Strategy (NHS) was launched in 2017 and it is Canada’s 10-year commitment to ensure more people living in Canada have access to safe, affordable and inclusive housing.
The NHS emphasizes six priority areas for action:
- Housing for those in greatest need,
- Community housing sustainability,
- Indigenous housing,
- Northern housing,
- Sustainable housing and communities, and
- Balanced supply of housing.
It also places significant emphasis on addressing the housing demands of populations with diverse needs. These groups include:
- Survivors of gender-based violence,
- Seniors,
- Indigenous Peoples,
- Young Adults,
- People with disabilities,
- Individuals dealing with mental health and addiction issues,
- Veterans,
- 2SLGBTQIA+ communities,
- Racialized groups, including Black Canadians,
- Recent immigrants, including refugees, and
- People experiencing homelessness.
Our Commitment
Williams Engineering (WE) is committed to engineering cities that are safe, inclusive and resilient. In living our purpose, we have contributed to numerous projects with the goal of supporting individuals with unique needs and providing Canadians with more affordable housing.
These projects include:
Soroptimist (SIV) Redevelopment
- Vancouver, BC
- SIV and Purpose Driven are leading this project to solve the housing challenges faced by women, alongside a team of women leaders in design, development and construction.
- Pond Inlet, NU
- This shelter is the first of its kind in Pond Inlet, NU and it will house women and their young children, as well as girls who have left dangerous situations at home. This shelter is a much-needed addition to support women and girls in the community.
- Vernon, BC
- The Crossings will provide space for residents to live while receiving the support they need to begin the next phase of their lives. For many people experiencing homelessness in British Columbia, these homes make a significant positive difference in the community.
- Colwood, BC
- Constructed with the goal of reducing British Columbia’s affordable housing challenges, 330 Goldstream Avenue supports individuals of all backgrounds helping to diversify the community and ease the immense pressure of current high housing costs. Situated directly behind the newly constructed Centre for Wellbeing that provides mental health programs, this development is well-located to provide its residents with easy access to plenty of affordable and critical health and wellness services.
- Inuvik, NT
- Public housing is an ongoing challenge in the Northwest Territories (NWT). With the growing demand for safe and affordable local housing needs for the singles population in NWT, the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation (NWTHC) responded to the needs of the community. A sustainable and energy-efficient 17-unit residential complex was built, housing tenants between the ages of 20-65.
- Vernon, BC
- The Vernon Native Housing Society (VNHS) has been servicing low-income individuals since being founded in 1989, fulfilling the need for affordable housing for families in Vernon, British Columbia. This development fills the need for affordable housing for low-income individuals and families, people with disabilities, and seniors looking to continue living their lives in their community, close to family and friends.
- Calgary, AB
- Twelve of the 44 units are to be rented at 10% below the average market rate. Ten of those units are built barrier free for wheelchair accessibility, while keeping with the design standards of Trico Residential properties. Part of the commercial space will be leased to Accessible Housing, a local not-for-profit organization at a rate below-market value.
- Victoria, BC
- Wilsons Walk is an affordable rental high rise building which consists of nine storey, 108 units containing mostly small studio units, with larger one- and three-bedroom units. This project provides affordable housing for young individuals and families who identify as low-income residents.
Mustard Seed Ogden United – Multi-Use Building
- Calgary, AB
- The Mustard Seed is a non-profit organization that has been caring for individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty since 1984. Operating in six cities across Western Canada, The Mustard Seed is a supportive organization where people can have their needs met and grow toward greater health and independence.
These are a few meaningful examples of our team’s passion for engineering solutions and designing infrastructure that contributes to a safer and healthier environment. As we work together to design and build more accessible housing options, we are investing in the long-term stability and well-being of individuals, families, and entire communities.
