What We Do:

Small Housing’s resources & services support the delivery of the gentle density homes that people want, need & deserve.

As communities across Canada continue to face a generational housing crisis, the call for attainable homes has never rung louder.

At Small Housing, we recognize this urgent need, and are extensively collaborating with and providing support to local planners, industry leaders and forward-thinking non-profits to propel a new era of gentle density homes.

Click on the icons below to find out more.

Research & Solutions Development

  • Cross-sector convening
  • Case study report development
  • Research development to advance gentle density solutions

Local Government Supports

  • Bylaw Bootcamp workshops
  • Pre-review home design programs
  • Development feasibility analysis
  • Regulatory Process Reviews

Communications Supports

  • Public & Council Information Sessions
  • Site Tours
  • Communications Support Package

Industry Training

  • Small Scale Development workshops
  • Development Ecosystem Assessments
  • Industry upskilling seminars & courses

Advocacy

  • Political Engagement with policymakers across the Province and Canada
  • Cross-Sector Solutions to boost supply

Networking

  • Networking Opportunities & Community of Practice
  • Referrals to Allied Organizations

Small Housing Resources

Explore Small Housing’s suite of resources, designed to inspire, inform and support your gentle density ambitions.

Case Studies

A series of brief case studies that highlight promising practices of various jurisdictions who are leading the way in implementing gentle density housing around BC, Canada, and the world, and various tactics or approaches that can advance this work.

Sample Home Designs

A collection of sample renderings and site plans of built gentle density projects, ranging from 3 to 8 units, showcasing the potential of standardized designs to deliver innovative, inspiring gentle density solutions.

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Webinars

Small Housing regularly hosts online events to showcase voices from across the province who are championing the creation and inclusion of “gentle density housing” in established single-family neighbourhoods across British Columbia.

We engage with cities, the construction industry, and citizens who wish to see more diverse housing options in their communities, and share our collective and learned knowledge through our research and outreach work.

First Nations Stories of Practice

Stories of Practice honour, document, and celebrate community-led gentle density housing projects in Indigenous communities, and provide other communities and organizations with an opportunity to learn about wise practices, teachings, and lessons.

Small Housing in the Media

New Initiative Aims to Merge Climate Action with More Affordable Housing Solutions

Small Housing Press Release

Bill 44 is an important driver in delivering the homes that people want, need and deserve

Small Housing Opinion Piece

Why multi-generational living is becoming more common in Canada

A CBC News feature, with Small Housing’s Scot Hein

Navigating the Shift from Gatekeeper to Facilitator in Gentle Density Housing

Small Housing article in PIBC’ Planning West magazine (pg 36)

Archived Reports

Policy Solutions for British Columbia’s Housing Market

To deal with the housing crisis, we need to strata-title ADUs, implement a province-wide GDH mechanism, and further drive attainable housing options.

Cover of Small Houses Toolkit report.

Small Houses Toolkit

Pros and cons of smaller forms while outlining innovations in small scale living from across North America.

Bringing the Neighbours Into Infill

Delves into public engagement process and small housing through two City of Vancouver case studies.

Bringing the Neighbourhood Into Infill

Highlights Metro Vancouver residents’ attitudes toward infill development.

Natural Capital Urban Infill Summary

New planning approach to the City of Surrey through the preservation of trees within infill cluster housing development.

Small Changes, Big Gains: Alternative Forms of Tenure

Explore different types of tenure in single-detached neighbourhoods.

Report cover: Pre Approved Designs, Small Housing BC, 2017

Pre-Approved Designs

Explores pre-approved designs and plans: conducted in partnership with the cities of Nelson and Maple Ridge.

Cover of report: Permanently Affordable Home Ownership Model," March 2019, Small Housing BC

Permanently Affordable Home Ownership

Developed by SHBC, in consultation with city planning staff at the City of Vancouver.

Interested in finding out more about Small Housing’s services?

Get in touch with us and find out how Small Housing can support your gentle density housing work. Whether you’re a local planner, a small scale or citizen developer, community leader, or simply passionate about reshaping the future of housing, let’s connect.

For more information: info@smallhousingbc.org