The Government of Canada recently introduced the first product launch of the Housing Design Catalogue organized by the Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC). The Housing Design Catalogue speaks directly to the operative clause in Resolution 9-23F: Review of Affordable Housing Funding Programs:
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the RMA advocate to the GOA to create scalable, replicable modular designs for affordable housing projects that could be utilized by housing management bodies for approved projects.
The catalogue offers seven Alberta specific designs; two laneway or accessory dwelling designs, two rowhouses, two fourplexes, and one sixplex design. To date, designs include a summary package that offers a high-level overview with 3D drawings, building dimensions, and a unit summary.
Final architectural design packages expected to be available in spring 2025 will include:
- Architectural and engineering drawings
- Technical guidance to support builders with key details such as site considerations, material selection and climate resilience
- Energy modeling guidance and performance report
- Construction cost summary
- Alternate floor plans for different accessibility needs
Alberta designs are intended to best meet regional building codes, planning rules, climate zones, and construction methods and materials, while recognizing that some municipal zoning bylaws may not accommodate these designs without change. CMHC information for local governments can be accessed here.
RMA will keep you up to date on future Housing Design Catalogue announcements. Please reach out to let RMA know how these designs may or may not work for your community.
Warren Noga
Manager of Policy and Research
825.319.2285
warren@rmalberta.com