Helping Solve the Housing Challenge
There’s no one solution to today’s housing crisis, as concerns about affordability, availability, and choice continue to evolve in communities of all sizes across the country.
Population growth, shifting demographics, and economic factors are placing increasing pressure on housing systems, highlighting the need for thoughtful, coordinated approaches.
Planners are in a unique position to influence the policies, processes, and partnerships that shape housing outcomes. The Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) is committed to supporting planners in addressing these complex issues by fostering knowledge-sharing, promoting leading practices, and creating opportunities for collaboration.
“CIP envisions a future in which the planning and development of housing in Canada allows for a diverse supply of affordable, accessible, and adequate housing across the spectrum, and accommodates the needs of our multi-generational society.”
Taking Action
Our Housing Work
Rapid population growth is good for the economy, but it will put a lot of pressure on the already unstable housing market. It’s up to planners to aid in addressing this issue in order to help build a better future for Canada’s population.
On-Demand Courses
Build practical skills to address today’s housing challenges through CIP’s on-demand courses, designed with expert input and real-world application in mind. Explore topics such as supportive and transitional housing, innovative approaches to increasing supply, urban infill and adaptive reuse, and streamlining planning and approvals processes—all at your own pace.
Plan Canada
Plan Canada regularly features housing-related content, reflecting the evolving challenges and opportunities shaping communities across the country. Through in-depth articles and expert perspectives, the magazine explores topics such as housing affordability, supply, policy innovation, and diverse housing options. In addition to the magazine, Plan Canada also brings these conversations to life through webinars, where authors and planning professionals expand on key themes and share insights.
National Conference
Housing is a key focus at CIP’s annual national conference, where sessions explore a wide range of timely and complex issues. Topics have included advancing non-market housing, co-designing solutions with diverse stakeholders, and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, including seniors. Together, these discussions highlight innovative approaches, emerging trends, and practical strategies for tackling housing challenges across Canada.
Housing Blog Posts
Check out the CIP Blog for the latest housing-related posts.
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Move at the Speed of Trust: What Planners Need to Know from the State of Canada’s Cities Summit
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National Planning Community of Practice on Housing
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CIP on Parliament Hill: Advancing Planning Priorities
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Housing is Where Jobs Sleep at Night: Response to the Build Canada Homes Market Sounding Guide
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Federal Budget 2025: Building One Canadian Economy That Strengthens Our Communities
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Plan Canada Winter 2024: People’s Choice – Housing Supply
More Resources
On-Demand Courses
Build your skills and knowledge through structured courses designed to support your professional growth. Explore guided learning experiences developed with subject matter experts, with content you can apply directly to your work.
Resource Library
Access curated tools, templates, and reference materials. These resources are designed to support your work, inform your practice, and provide practical guidance you can apply right away.
Discussion Forum
Access curated tools, templates, and reference materials. These resources are designed to support your work, inform your practice, and provide practical guidance you can apply right away.