Politics · Canada · 2 hrs ago
Opinion warns Canada’s tower-focused housing policy risks less livable communities
The piece argues that Canadian housing policy increasingly favours large towers with many small units over lower-rise neighbourhoods.
It draws on urbanist Jane Jacobs’s view that lively communities need a mix of buildings, residents and local businesses.
Zoning rules can make towers a more practical option for developers trying to build housing quickly.
During the housing boom that followed the 2020 economic shock, condo units grew smaller as developers pursued sales and first-time buyers and small investors sought homes they could afford.
In 2024, Toronto brought 25,572 condo units to market, while Vancouver brought 12,442, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
The piece says Toronto’s Bridge Station proposal would put 20,490 apartments for more than 43,000 people on 63 acres, in towers up to 80 storeys.
It warns that tower-heavy projects may weaken street life and be poorly suited to families, while the condo downturn has brought cancellations, fewer new projects and lower resale prices.
Some developers are switching planned condo towers to purpose-built rentals, though the piece gives no further details on what happens next.
An opinion article argues that Canada’s housing policy favours high-rise developments that may produce less livable communities.
It says governments often measure housing success by the number of units built rather than by community quality.
The article contrasts tower projects with Jane Jacobs’s vision of diverse, street-focused neighbourhoods.
It cites a proposed Ontario project with 20,490 apartments for more than 43,000 people on 63 acres.
It also describes a Canadian condo market downturn, with projects cancelled and developers turning to purpose-built rentals.
- Who
- The Globe and Mail opinion article criticizes Canadian governments and housing decision-makers.
- What
- The article argues that policy favouring high-rise housing risks creating less livable communities.
- When
- Published October 11, 2026. It also discusses housing-market events from 2020 to 2025.
- Where
- Canada, with examples from Toronto, Vancouver and Ontario.
- Why
- The article says zoning restrictions can make towers more viable for developers, while governments focus on the number of units produced.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
The article says the economic reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic set off a housing boom.
The housing boom peaked.
The boom began petering out as interest rates rose.
Condo sales slowed.
Toronto brought 25,572 condominium units to market, while Vancouver brought 12,442.
Development charges in Toronto were more than $120,000 per condominium unit.
- Toronto condo units brought to market in 2024
- 25,572
- Vancouver condo units brought to market in 2024
- 12,442
- Bridge Station proposal
- 20,490 apartments for more than 43,000 people on 63 acres
- Bridge Station tower height
- Up to 80 storeys
- Toronto development charges
- More than $120,000 per condominium unit by 2025
Sources
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