Ottawa's Bold Move to Tackle Canada’s Housing Crisis

In a bold move to tackle Canada’s housing crisis, federal officials from Ottawa announced the release of twelve additional public properties aimed at transforming underutilized land into affordable housing. This exciting initiative comes as cities like Whitehorse experience a dramatic surge in population growth, with a pressing need for more homes to accommodate incoming families.

Prime Land for Development in Whitehorse

One standout parcel is a rare 12-acre slice of federally owned land located in the bustling heart of Whitehorse. City officials have long envisioned this site—strategically positioned near key infrastructure, including major roads, upgraded sewage systems, and proximity to a hockey arena and popular hiking trails—as a prime candidate for residential development. With an aging heritage office building and scattered small offices currently occupying the land, the potential for hundreds of new homes and community amenities is compelling.

Federal Property for Affordable Housing

In an official announcement made on Tuesday, Ottawa revealed that this site is now the 83rd federally owned property available for leasing and redevelopment into much-needed homes across Canada. “It’s fantastic,” Whitehorse Mayor Kirk Cameron expressed, underscoring the city’s eagerness for this opportunity that they have been advocating for over the years.

Long-term Leases for Development

The federal government’s recent commitment includes a reimagined approach to using public land for housing rather than outright selling it. By opting for long-term leases with municipalities, non-profits, and private developers, Ottawa aims to increase the availability of affordable housing without relinquishing ownership of valuable assets. The creation of the Canada Public Land Bank is pivotal to this strategy, as it helps identify and catalog available parcels for development.

Interest and Proposals

During this announcement, Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement of Canada, highlighted that the government has received a staggering 320 inquiries about the properties, although he refrained from disclosing the number of formal proposals submitted so far. Notably, properties suitable for housing proposals are now available in all provinces except Prince Edward Island.

Diverse Opportunities for Development Sites

Among the newly listed properties, the opportunities extend beyond Whitehorse to include some locales in the Northwest Territories. These properties range from post offices to half-occupied government offices and even former military sites. However, challenges remain as not all submitted lands can transition effortlessly into residential areas, necessitating thorough assessments of their viability.

Significant Potential for Housing Development

A comprehensive study conducted by The Globe and Mail, in collaboration with urban planners, has revealed that there is a significant stock of prime federal land—identified as “urban lazy land”—that holds substantial potential for housing development. The analysis found enough land to accommodate around 750,000 new homes for Canadians, especially in urban centers where demand is high. Notably, Canada Post owns numerous post offices situated in densely populated neighborhoods where housing is desperately needed.

Housing Variety and Developer Interest

Mr. Duclos emphasized the importance of variety within the properties being considered for development. Certain well-located and accessible sites are likely to attract developer interest sooner, but there could also be unexpected enthusiasm for more complicated parcels that require additional planning and mobilization.

Optimism for Thriving Communities

Mayor Cameron remains optimistic about the prospects, envisioning thriving communities where families can enjoy easy access to recreational activities and amenities. "We have to keep in front of the curve," he stated, reinforcing the necessity of developing affordable housing to sustain a desirable lifestyle in Whitehorse. As this initiative progresses, it marks a significant step toward addressing Canada’s housing challenges, generating hope for countless families across the nation.

Looking Ahead