The federal government has launched a new public consultation process designed to speed up residential construction productivity.

“Creating an industrial housing strategy for homebuilding is another way we’re leading a Team Canada approach to overcome the housing crisis,” said Housing Minister Sean Fraser in a news release.

“Through meeting the housing sector’s needs, fostering innovation within it, strengthening supply chains and supporting productivity, we will help ensure that everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home.”

Fraser’s ministerial portfolio includes infrastructure, communities and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC.)

The online consultation will be open until September 13 and include:

• enhancing productivity within Canada’s housing ecosystem;
• incenting innovation and technology adoption;
• exploring the impacts of access to capital; and,
• strengthening supply chains.

An expert panel of homebuilding specialists will support the consultation process and advise ministers on how to boost the industry’s capacity.

The panel’s members are:

• Isabelle Demers, vice-president of the Association des professionnels de la construction et de l’habitation du Québec;
• Emma Kozak, Royal Bank’s vice-president of real estate lending,
• Kevin Lee, CEO of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association;
• Bryce Nugent, Prairie provinces director for the Modular Housing Association; and
• Carolyn Whitzman, a University of Ottawa professor whose research focuses on housing and planning policy

According to the news release, the cost to construct a residential building in Canada has increased 58% since 2020, “well outpacing the overall inflation rate of 15%.”

Pictured: Great West Life Realty Advisors rental-apartment project in North Vancouver, B.C.

Rendering: GWL Realty Advisors