The impacts of single-dwelling homes

Being a resident, I have been included in Airdrie's growth for over 20 years. We chose Airdrie at the start of being a young family. It was family-friendly and affordable. Airdrie has a wonderful reputation for attracting families. It is due to the type of housing suitable for family needs (single-family homes), and with this market demand, Airdrie has grown to have 65% single-family homes in the housing supply, and increasing urban sprawl.

What does this mean for a growing city?

Single-family home zoning is a major structural contributor to creating conditions of gentrification. This can lead to an unbalanced community restricting housing supply, increasing housing prices, and displacing lower-income residents over time.

Single-family homes are expensive and more exclusive, making it difficult for renters, seniors, newcomers, students, singles, or young families to afford to live in. They are costly due to construction costs, living costs, larger lots, and higher property taxes. Overall, this prices people out.

In addition, it pushes development pressure in the selected few areas where other housing is allowed in pockets. These would be areas allocated for duplexes, condos, apartments, or townhouses. These areas typically absorb the growth and become hotspots for redevelopment, displacement and speculation.

What are the next steps?

At the end of the day, a community needs a balanced housing supply through mixed housing. There should be a place for everyone to include a variety of housing options. From students to seniors, it is important to include housing for all stages of life with a mix throughout our neighbourhoods and communities. There has been an increase in mixed housing over the recent years in Airdrie, and it is important to continue with the increase through zoning.

We want Airdrie to be a place to set roots and grow during our lifetime, including supporting future generations.

Kristen