Federal Government Releases Housing Design Catalogue

On March 7, 2025, the federal government released the Housing Design Catalogue, which includes final renderings and floor plan layouts for standardized housing designs. This catalogue is part of Canada’s Housing Plan and features about 50 standardized designs for rowhouses, fourplexes, sixplexes, and accessory dwelling units.

The catalogue is designed to facilitate planning processes by providing a starting point for homeowners, builders, and communities. These designs, created by architecture and engineering teams across different regions, focus on options like gentle density and infill development within existing neighborhoods.

According to the federal government, the complete architectural design packages will be available in the spring, including specifications and construction cost summaries. Key principles of these designs include adaptability, accessibility, and energy efficiency, along with compliance with local regulations.

Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, indicated that the standardized designs aim to assist smaller homebuilders by simplifying construction processes.