The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) Housing Affordability Task Group’s objective is to explore key design and regulatory system changes that may address the issue of housing affordability in Ontario by increasing opportunity or reducing cost.
In particular, the group is concerned with building types and changes to built form that result in responsible and cost-efficient urban intensification construction methods and their effect on construction cost, as well as regulatory issues (zoning and building code) that may be impacting affordability.
The task group is also interested in exploring financial solutions that could have an impact on affordability. The potential solutions will be tested through design and the total impact of recommended measures studied through pro formas.
In support of this work, the task group is calling on members to submit already-built, approved or planned projects that address housing affordability issues and can serve as case studies. Ideally, projects will feature building types, designs, construction methods, regulatory strategies, financial strategies or a combination of these that form responsible and cost-efficient greenfield or urban developments.
Submitted projects may be from OAA members’ own work in Ontario or elsewhere in Canada, and they can include other domestic or international project that have offered inspiration. Submissions (up to 500 words) should include a brief description as well as a link to the project website.
Please send submissions to the OAA Architectural Graduate, Courtney Meagher, by Friday, September 7. For all general enquires regarding the task group’s activities and research, please contact Liana Bresler.