By KATHRYN FRASER

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On August 10, the Town of Caledon announced the municipality will be joining the Housing Design Catalog in Partnership with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

Last fall, the Government of Canada launched the Housing Design Catalog which features more than 50 practical standardized designs for low rise homes that are energy efficient, adaptable, accessible and can be repeated by builders to speed up development processes and bring costs down to be more affordable.

This catalog will provide access to free standard housing designs that support gentle density, which also include accessory dwelling units and small multi-unit buildings such as fourplexes. 

Jennifer McKelvie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Housing Infrastructure, and Member of Parliament for Ajax, was in the community to welcome Caledon to the Housing Design Catalog and show support.

McKelvie expressed her appreciation for all those that have worked towards the common goal of building homes and strengthening community. 

“Everyone here today understands the challenge that we are facing; across Canada there just aren't enough homes,” said McKelvie. “Canadians need more housing options, especially in our existing neighbourhoods close to transit and close to amenities and close to their friends and family.” 

McKelvie also expressed the need for not only speed but also affordability in the building of housing units. 

“We also need to build these homes faster and more affordably,” she said. 

Mayor Annette Groves also spoke on the impact of Caledon launching the Housing Design Catalog and its importance to the community.

“Caledon is taking meaningful action to make housing more attainable for our residents,” said Groves. “By launching this Housing Design Catalogue, we're reducing barriers, saving time and costs and giving homeowners and builders practical tools to create more housing choices that fit within our community.” 

Eric Lucic, Commissioner of Planning and Development and Chief Planner for the Town of Caledon, was also present and spoke about the exciting partnership between CMHC and the Town of Caledon as this marks new progress under the federal Housing Accelerator Fund.

The Housing Accelerator Fund supports communities by removing barriers to housing supply and options. 

One plan Lucic mentioned are the additional steps that will be made by pre-reviewing the Housing Design Catalogue to make it easier for people in Caledon to build more houses, and that they fit within the Town's bylaws and standards.

“By pairing pre-reviewed designs with our recent zoning updates and incentive programs we are giving residents and builders clearer, fast pathways to create housing that fits within existing neighbourhoods,” said Lucic. 

Those looking for more information about the housing initiatives and the Housing Design Catalogue, visit www.caledon.ca/en/town-services/housing-design-catalogue.aspx.