Cost of housing in Canada

[IKnowNothing]

Looser zoning laws to build coach homes on larger properties is a good solution too that would avoid tiny homes ghettos.

Fun fact- Ontario's blanket allowance of ADU's does not apply to rural properties.

 

[rmc_wannabe]

I like the concept of tiny homes (I’m pretty minimalist) but I’m not sure how the majority of North Americans would agree with me. I also really like condos and townhouses, but the main argument I hear is that it’s not enough space for a family (despite Asians and Europeans doing just that) or their stuff. Also, there is a (probably untrue) connotation with those tiny homes and trailer parks, and its social undertone.

There are companies that already build them, so why aren’t there entire subdivisions of tiny homes in Canada? They can work, but there would need to be a culture shift regarding housing, not just the amount of it.

Part of the reason condo/apartment and possibly tiny home living is suitable in Europe/Asian is because they have (rightfully) protected the Third Space in their societies; especially from gentrification or commodification.

North Americans entertain in their homes, are entertained in their homes, access their greenspaces from their homes, and any number of other activities because it's cheaper than going to a Third Space (restaurant, pub, ski resort, campsite, etc.) to do it.

Conversely, free use Third Spaces (commons, community gardens, libraries, churches and parish centres) are funded in a more egalitarian manner and are not grouped by their income demographic or area (even in Kingston, my kids know the Good Library (Pittsburgh Branch) from the Sketch Library (Rideau Heights).

Europeans/Asians get by on needing less space because culturally its not a thing to have it. My great-uncle mockingly called my grandfather "Il Conte di Rosso-Dale" (the Count of Rosedale) because he had a separate dining room from his kitchen. No one back home had that kind of living space because "who the hell are you? Royalty?"

Until we rejuvenate our Third Spaces, we are going to pad our First Spaces. That "padding" is also a multi-billion dollar industry that we the taxpayer pay into. Having free or cheap spaces to hang out?!

That sounds like Communism to me....

Third Space Theory - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

EDIT TO ADD:

This is why I am an active user of my Mess and encourage everyone to be active in theirs.

 

[AmmoTech90]

And Jane Jacobs and her front step.

 

[Halifax Tar]

Part of the reason condo/apartment and possibly tiny home living is suitable in Europe/Asian is because they have (rightfully) protected the Third Space in their societies; especially from gentrification or commodification.

North Americans entertain in their homes, are entertained in their homes, access their greenspaces from their homes, and any number of other activities because it's cheaper than going to a Third Space (restaurant, pub, ski resort, campsite, etc.) to do it.

Conversely, free use Third Spaces (commons, community gardens, libraries, churches and parish centres) are funded in a more egalitarian manner and are not grouped by their income demographic or area (even in Kingston, my kids know the Good Library (Pittsburgh Branch) from the Sketch Library (Rideau Heights).

Europeans/Asians get by on needing less space because culturally its not a thing to have it. My great-uncle mockingly called my grandfather "Il Conte di Rosso-Dale" (the Count of Rosedale) because he had a separate dining room from his kitchen. No one back home had that kind of living space because "who the hell are you? Royalty?"

Until we rejuvenate our Third Spaces, we are going to pad our First Spaces. That "padding" is also a multi-billion dollar industry that we the taxpayer pay into. Having free or cheap spaces to hang out?!

That sounds like Communism to me....

Third Space Theory - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Some third spaces have become outside the reach of the middle class. My wife, a VP, and my self, a CPO2, are actively looking for a cottage/camp.

Let me tell you, our budget is severely limiting us. I am pretty sure we are going to end up with a camper on some land at this point.

 

[YZT580]

Some third spaces have become outside the reach of the middle class. My wife, a VP, and my self, a CPO2, are actively looking for a cottage/camp.

Let me tell you, our budget is severely limiting us. I am pretty sure we are going to end up with a camper on some land at this point.

or really? Try finding the land. Lots of jurisdictions are banning the use of a camper except as a temporary shelter during construction. We've been looking since Covid

 

[Halifax Tar]

or really? Try finding the land. Lots of jurisdictions are banning the use of a camper except as a temporary shelter during construction. We've been looking since Covid

Oh really?

I haven't heard that yet in NS, but I stand to be corrected.