Squamish becomes local partner in using the Housing Design Catalogue

Far too many Canadians are struggling to find homes they can afford. Solving Canada’s housing crisis requires immediate action to bring down costs, cut red tape, and build homes more quickly. The Government of Canada is stepping up with a bold new approach to build affordable housing across the country.

The Housing Design Catalogue is part of a broader set of measures introduced by the federal government to double the rate of housing construction, restore affordability, and reduce homelessness. The Catalogue supports standardization in the housing sector, and local governments are key partners in unlocking that potential, through a library of over 50 pre-approved low-rise housing plans to accelerate “gentle density” nationwide, that’s free to use for all Canadians. The designs take into consideration the different building requirements across Canada and were developed by regional architecture and engineering teams.

On June 29, Patrick Weiler, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver – Sunshine Coast – Sea-to-Sky Country, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development, alongside Armand V. Hurford, Mayor of Squamish, announced that Squamish has endorsed the Housing Design Catalogue and become the latest municipality to join dozens more across the country as an official Local Partner.

Squamish is a leader in supporting standardized designs having hosted a Multiplex Design Competition in 2024 where winning designs responded to local conditions, neighbourhood context and flood construction levels. Squamish is proactively adding pre-reviewed Catalogue designs to their existing library and streamlining approvals—making it easier for builders and homeowners to plan their projects. The District of Squamish is promoting three Housing Design Catalogue designs: BC Duplex, BC Fourplex 01, and BC Fourplex 02. Although a Building Permit is still required, the standardized designs receive a streamlined review. 

Becoming a Local Partner builds on Squamish’s Housing Accelerator Fund success where communities accelerate small-scale multi-unit housing by removing unnecessary approval steps and updating regulations to enable greater housing diversity. Squamish’s Accessory Dwelling Unit Program, funded by HAF, also complements the Catalogue with updated zoning regulations, reduced parking requirements, and development cost charge exemptions.

Work continues with local governments across Canada to encourage them to support the Housing Design Catalogue.

The Government of Canada is making the housing investments that will help strengthen Canadian supply chains and create good jobs at every step of the homebuilding process – helping to build more homes and a stronger Canadian economy at the same time.

Quotes:

“Communities like Squamish are stepping up with innovative approaches to tackle the housing crisis and help build the homes people need. The Housing Design Catalogue is about cutting unnecessary delays and making it easier to build more homes, faster. By streamlining approvals and supporting appropriate density in existing neighbourhoods, we can create more housing options while building complete communities where people can afford to live, work, and raise a family.”— Patrick Weiler, member of Parliament for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country

“Squamish is proud to join communities across Canada in advancing practical, housing solutions that aim to make housing more attainable. By pre-reviewing and promoting three designs in the Housing Design Catalogue, we aim to take some of the guess work out of planning, providing a smoother path to creative housing solutions. This partnership strengthens the work already underway in Squamish to diversify our housing options and deliver the kinds of homes our residents need.”— Armand V. Hurford, Mayor of Squamish

Quick facts:

• List of Local Partners: Housing Catalogue support for local governments
• Homeowners, builders, and communities interested in receiving updates can sign up on the Housing Design Catalogue webpage.
• The full technical design packages launched in November 2025 consist of architectural and engineering drawings and specifications, including accessible-ready and enhanced-accessible layouts, energy reporting documents and templates, building performance reports, and a user guide. Regional construction cost summaries and guidance on climate resilience and material selection are also now available. The designs cover all regions of the country: British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, the Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island), and the Northern territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut). Designs were developed by regional architecture and engineering teams, and focus on creating gentle density and infill development in existing neighbourhoods in all regions of the country.
• The federal government will continue to engage provinces and territories under the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund, including collaborating on the Housing Design Catalogue and standardized designs.
• The federal government is drawing inspiration from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)'s post-war housing design catalogues developed between the 1940s and 1970s.
• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) will continue to deliver on its mandate to contribute to the well-being of Canada's housing system through existing programs such as the Apartment Construction Loan Program and Mortgage Loan Insurance products.

 

 

Additional information:

Visit canada.ca/housing for the most-requested Government of Canada housing information.

Build Canada Homes is ready to partner with organizations committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing across Canada. Learn more about the portal and the Investment Policy Framework.

CMHC plays a critical role as a national convenor to promote stability and sustainability in Canada’s housing finance system. CMHC’s mortgage insurance products support access to home ownership and the creation and maintenance of rental supply. CMHC research and data help inform housing policy. By facilitating cooperation between all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors, CMHC contributes to advancing housing affordability, equity, and climate compatibility. CMHC actively supports the Government of Canada in delivering on its commitment to make housing more affordable.

June 30, 2026