FrançaisAbout CMHCCareersFAQCMHC LibraryNewsroomContact UsHomeCMHCCMHC
CMHC for Housing Industry Professionals and Community Groups November 2006

CMHC for Housing Industry Professionals and Community Groups
ENTIRE CMHC website
Advanced Search | Help
Building and Design
Improving Housing Affordability
Sustainability
Research Highlights
Housing Market Information
Community Development
Programs and Financial Assistance

Housing Technology and Research e-newsletters

2005 Canadian Housing Observer
Home to Canadians for the past 60 years.
 
Housing Industry Professionals and Community Groups > Improving Housing Affordability > Affordable Housing Ideas > Policy and Regulation 

Policy and Regulation

This group of strategies illustrates how federal, provincial and municipal governments can affect housing affordability through public policies and the legal and planning framework.

Modifying Building Codes
Modifying building code requirements can lower renovation or construction costs.
 
Modifying Development Standards
Changes to planning and engineering standards can reduce the costs of residential development.
 
Permitting Secondary Suites
Secondary suites provide affordable rental housing and additional income for younger and older homeowners.
 
Providing for Garden Suites
A small self-contained dwelling on a property of an adult child can provide an affordable housing option for elderly parents.
 
Reducing Length of Approvals
Decreases the time and cost associated with residential development.
 
Retaining Affordable Housing
Regulations may require and encourage building owners and developers to retain, or contribute to the replacement of, affordable housing.
 
Using Development Levies
Development levies can help fund affordable housing or be waived in some instances to encourage affordable housing.
 
Using Inclusionary Housing Policies
Inclusionary housing policies encourage or require residential developments to include a proportion as affordable housing.