As Canadian cities densify, multi-unit housing is becoming a dominant form for many – if not most – households. These housing types, however, need a different approach in order to foster increased connection between neighbours and a greater feeling of community. This is not a minor issue: our connections with neighbours – and with our immediate neighbourhood – impact our health in significant and measurable ways.

Multi-unit housing is NOT inherently isolating: thoughtful design and programming can help to build community, neighbourly connections and resilience. Great examples of inclusive, ‘sociable’ multi-unit housing exist but they are too often the exception, not the rule.

In a time of polycrisis (affordability, housing, climate change, growing inequity, aging populations, loneliness etc.) we need to pull together across sectors to mainstream socially connected, resilient, inclusive, age-friendly multi-unit housing.

After all, housing is so much more than walls, floors and a roof. It is essential infrastructure, a human right and a key social determinant of health.

Increasing housing supply is essential, but how can we ensure that the next generation of homes fosters community, supports aging well in the right place AND is affordable across the widening spectrum of incomes in our cities?

• Join Michelle Hoar (Hey Neighbour Collective) and Madeleine Hebert (Happy Cities) as they share key learnings from work with six Metro Vancouver jurisdictions to co-create inclusive, sociable design policy for new multi-unit housing.
• Learn from housing expert Robert Brown (Chesterman Properties)about how local governments (and others) can help to mainstream great housing design while also supporting – and dare to dream – deepening affordability.