What is Build Canada Homes?
Build Canada Homes is a new federal, non-partisan, non-profit agency established by the Government of Canada to accelerate, streamline, and scale up the construction of affordable housing across the country. Backed by a $13 billion investment from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government, the initiative aims to build 4,000 modular homes at six designated sites by 2026.
As a centralized housing agency, Build Canada Homes brings together a volunteer-led, multidisciplinary team of architects, engineers, planners, financial analysts, and creators. Their goal: to deliver on election promises, monitor federal spending, and align with the needs of Canadians by doubling the supply of affordable housing.
We are excited to see a national initiative that recognizes the urgent need for action on Canada’s housing crisis and moves to turn that recognition into meaningful progress.
Why Was Build Canada Homes Established?
Build Canada Homes is part of the federal commitment to:
- Double the rate of housing construction across Canada
- Collaborate with provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities
- Partner with private developers for large-scale affordable housing development
The use of modular construction and prefabricated housing is a key component of this plan, helping to reduce costs, speed up timelines, and improve sustainability.
Our Perspective on Accessibility
While we celebrate this national housing initiative, we also believe it’s crucial to highlight the importance of embedding accessibility into these homes from the very start.
Disability is the only minority group anyone can join at any point in their life. Whether facing permanent disabilities or temporary limitations, all of us deserve homes that are safe, functional, and inclusive. Yet, accessible housing remains deeply limited — only 2–3% of homes in cities like Calgary and Edmonton are both affordable and barrier-free.
Accessible design is not a luxury. It’s a necessity.
If universal design is incorporated from the planning phase, it can:
- Save significant costs and reduce material waste by avoiding later renovations
- Support people to age in place with dignity
- Prevent housing-related institutionalization and homelessness
- Enhance autonomy and quality of life for people with disabilities
- Strengthen community connections and inclusion
Moreover, building accessible homes from the outset does not have to increase costs — especially with prefabricated construction methods already being proposed. It’s about designing smarter, not more expensively.
Accessibility Is Affordability
We commend Build Canada Homes for their commitment to affordability. But affordability cannot be truly achieved unless accessibility is part of the equation. If accessibility is overlooked, thousands of Canadians will continue to be excluded from safe housing options, putting them at greater risk of housing insecurity, institutionalization, or worse outcomes.
We urge decision-makers to see accessibility not as an afterthought but as a core value. By integrating universal design into this initiative, Build Canada Homes can set a new national standard — one that truly serves all Canadians.
A Hopeful Future
Accessible Housing Society is inspired by the vision behind Build Canada Homes and encouraged by the expertise of the team leading it. We hope that this momentum includes a firm commitment to accessible, inclusive, and equitable housing as Canada moves toward a more sustainable and just future for all.
Let’s build homes that everyone can live in!