Inclusion of affordable housing in new transit-oriented developments in Canadian cities

PDF - Report

We commissioned PRA Inc. to do research on how to add more affordable housing to new transit-oriented developments (TODs) in Canada. This research focused on rental units and used a design that included:

a literature review
interviews with 26 key people (municipal governments, regional planning organizations, private developers, non-profit developers and academics)
the development of 9 case studies

This research showed how different levels of government can create affordable housing units in new transit-oriented developments. The research also looked at what factors restrict or help this process. It also explored how housing stakeholders can overcome these issues. In addition, the research found the best ways to communicate how increasing affordable housing in transit-oriented developments can be achieved.

According to this research, the cost of land is the biggest obstacle for housing developers when considering affordable housing in transit-oriented developments. However, from key informants' experience, there are a few strategies that could help reduce these costs. If applied before the planning phase, these strategies can have the greatest impact in reducing land costs.

For the full results, see our Research Insight, Inclusion of affordable housing in new transit-oriented developments in Canadian cities.