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A new study by researchers at the University of British Columbia reveals that underutilized, government-owned land in Canada's major cities could be redeveloped to house over one million people. By examining federal, provincial, and municipal land holdings in Toronto and five other cities, the More Housing Here study showcases the potential of public lands to alleviate the country's ongoing affordable housing crisis. For instance, sites like the post office at 2405 Pine Street in Vancouver could be transformed into high-density housing similar to developments along the Broadway corridor.

The research highlights that many of these sites are already equipped with essential infrastructure such as public transit, schools, and parks, making them cost-effective options for housing projects. By utilizing public land, which accounts for up to 30% of typical construction costs, housing development costs could be significantly reduced. Furthermore, streamlined zoning and planning processes could accelerate project timelines, addressing the urgent need for affordable housing more efficiently.

The study estimates that redeveloping government land could accommodate 587,000 new residents in the Toronto area alone, with Ottawa and Calgary adding 200,000 and 89,000, respectively. While not all public lands are suitable for development, larger, well-connected sites hold the most promise. The report underscores the success of existing federal initiatives that have provided land for affordable housing projects, emphasizing the potential of this strategy to address Canada's housing shortage with minimal new infrastructure investment.

Read the full article on: REAL ESTATE MAGAZINE