15-minute neighbourhoods deliver more accessible and affordable housing – report

As Canada continues to grapple with a housing crisis rooted in a persistent inventory shortage, ReMax Canada explores possible solutions in its latest report, 15-Minute Neighbourhood: Lessons for Small Communities.

The report, exploring the urban planning concept that puts daily necessities within a 15-minute walk, bicycle or transit ride from home, attempts to highlight supply of housing for the greatest number of Canadians, in a way that delivers maximum livability and affordability – particularly in smaller municipalities that are experiencing rapid growth.

“Private and public interests must coalesce to make what seems visionary to some, tangible for all,” says Christopher Alexander, president of ReMax Canada. “By rethinking the design, relevant government policies and zoning bylaws applicable in our neighbourhoods and integrating all the complex layers within existing developed land areas, we can achieve a more effective and comprehensive national housing strategy.”

“Without schools, libraries, small businesses, enterprise and greenspaces, as well as accessible and diversified transportation, the home becomes empty inventory,” adds Elton Ash, executive vice-president of ReMax Canada. “

According to a Leger survey commissioned by ReMax Canada as part of the report:

• Canadians ranked “lack of available and accessible transit options,” among their top three pain points in their communities (34 per cent). To further supplement, non-drivers are more likely to agree that the 15-minute concept is achievable and feasible (59 per cent) compared to drivers (45 per cent).
• 48 per cent of respondents agree that the concept is achievable and feasible, particularly non-drivers (59 per cent, vs 45 per cent of drivers). In addition, 54 per cent believe that (a) their neighbourhood needs better diversity and balance across walking, biking, public transportation and driving, and that (54 per cent) (b) the 15-minute neighbourhood would help Canada reach its climate goals (54 per cent).
• 72 per cent of respondents agree that reducing commuting time to 15 minutes or less for necessary services, such as work, appointments, childcare, restaurants, entertainment and shopping, would improve one’s quality of life. Traffic volume (44 per cent) and lack of available and accessible transit options (34 per cent) are also pain points for Canadians.

“We agree that Canada needs to invest in building a lot more homes in the next decade, but it must be the right kind of housing within the context of the wider neighbourhood, its socioeconomic diversity, and indeed with climate as a constant potential disruptor,” says Alexander.

Key findings in the report

Diversity within densification: We should be considering how we can create a variety of types of homes and sizes within each neighbourhood (high-, midrise, semi-detached and the “missing middle”).

Hard and soft infrastructure are non-negotiable elements of the 15-minute neighbourhood: For 15-minute neighbourhoods to reach the ideal they aspire to, the proper soft and hard infrastructure will need to be in place – these are the systems that allow communities to thrive and quality of life to flourish.

Transform empty space into productive, residential communities: There is an opportunity amid the decline of commercial real estate space, empty retail space and especially parking lots to transform them into residential dwellings. in collaboration with relevant area experts. For this to happen, governments must reduce red-tape by expanding zoning laws and incentivize developers to use this real estate.

Balance in transportation: Car has become king and over-reliance on vehicles has fed urban sprawl, leading to a poor use of space. This has negative long-term impacts on the environment, as well as the physical and mental health of Canadians. Cities should be designed to encourage and foster the use of various modes of transportation, by accounting for bike lanes on all major streets; implementing fast and accessible public transportation; and building walking paths/sidewalks throughout neighbourhoods.

Offering a mix of housing: For cities to avoid falling into the trap of gentrification and ensure equitable housing, a mix of housing needs to be incorporated. Within each neighbourhood there should be a balance between market housing, subsidized housing, mixed-income housing and co-ops.