Horizons Resources

For decades, zoning has directed most new housing into two categories: single-family homes and high-rise condos in pre-zoned urban cores. Restrictive bylaws and slow, uncertain approval processes for rezoning or variances have made it difficult for developers to build anything else. Over time, developers have also increased the size of single-family homes - more square footage means more profit. The result has been a steady rise in average home size, even as overall affordability has declined.

Low-density, suburban-style neighbourhoods are spread out, which means longer roads and pipes, larger areas to serve, and longer emergency response times. All of this costs more to operate and maintain. Research shows that the taxes collected in these areas often do not fully cover the cost of providing services, which puts added pressure on the entire municipal tax base.

Low-density, suburban-style neighbourhoods are spread out, which means longer roads and pipes, larger areas to serve, and longer emergency response times. All of this costs more to operate and maintain. Research shows that the taxes collected in these areas often do not fully cover the cost of providing services, which puts added pressure on the entire municipal tax base.