Online Gentle Density Training
Build on the skills you already have and take on gentle density projects with confidence. Small Housing Academy provides practical, BC-specific training to help builders, developers, and other housing professionals prepare for new opportunities in residential construction.
SUPPORTED BY AND DELIVERED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Same trade. New project type. New opportunities.
The market is changing. Single-detached housing starts have fallen by more than half since 2016, while small-scale infill is the only ground-oriented housing type that’s growing. In 2025, small-scale infill accounted for nearly 1 in 10 housing starts in Canada.
Your skills still apply. What’s new is the lot evaluation, project economics, planning, and approval path. Our courses help you understand what changes and put the skills you already have to work in gentle density.
Who Are the Small Housing Academy Courses Designed For?
Builders & Developers
You build single family homes and you are looking at your first multiplex. Or you have done one and want to scale.
Building Officials
You review and approve projects, and gentle density is showing up in your queue more often.
Building Designers
You are designing high performance multiplex projects and need BC specific guidance on Step Code and integrated design.
Mechanical Contractors
You are bidding on or running mechanical scope for multiplex builds and want field tested guidance.
Our Online Courses
Online and self-paced. Accredited by BC Housing for CPD credits.
100% of course proceeds support our mission to advance diverse, attainable housing solutions across British Columbia.
BUILDERS & DEVELOPERS
Online · Self-paced
Gentle Density for Builders & Developers
4 CPD credits
Build the knowledge you need to take on your first gentle density project and grow your business into the evolving market. Lot evaluation, the business case, building science fundamentals, financial planning and how to scale your operation to run multiple projects without losing margin. Earn 4 CPD credits that count toward your annual licensing requirement.
Lot Selection · Building Science · Project Economics
$260
BUILDING OFFICIALS
Online · Self-paced
Approving High-Performance Gentle Density
2 CPD credits
Practical guidance for officials reviewing and approving high-performance gentle density projects. Updated design standards, zoning changes, and the permitting tools you need to move files through faster without compromising on quality.
Design Guidelines · Permitting Tools
$130
MECHANICAL CONTRACTORS
Online · Self-paced
Mechanical Systems for High-Performance Gentle Density
2 CPD credits
Field-focused training for mechanical contractors working on gentle density. Fundamental principles, how to collaborate with designers and builders earlier in the process, and what changes when you scale from single family to multiplex.
Field Guidance · Foundations
$130
BUILDING DESIGNERS
Online · Self-paced
Designing High-Performance Gentle Density
2 CPD credits and 2 AIBC Core LUs
For building designers working on high performance gentle density. Integrate energy performance, envelope, and mechanical thinking from the earliest design stages, with BC Step Code and Part 9 considerations.
This activity is recognized for 2 Core LUs with AIBC.
Best Practices · High Performance · Integrated Design
$130
New courses, live cohorts, and what is coming next
Get notified when new courses launch and when live cohorts open in your region.
ALUMNI IMPACT STORIES
Gentle density isn’t just theory — it’s transforming businesses and communities across B.C.
Why Small Housing BC
A nonprofit built around making gentle density actually happen
Small Housing is a nonprofit working to make gentle density a more accessible and practical part of BC’s housing landscape through advocacy, research, and education.
The Small Housing Academy extends that work by providing accessible, BC-focused training for the professionals building and shaping our communities. Course fees are subsidized to help make this training accessible to more builders, developers, designers, officials, and contractors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these courses accredited?
Yes. Courses are accredited for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) with BC Housing. The Builders & Developers course is accredited for 4 CPD credits. Accreditation details for each course are listed on the individual course pages.
How long do I have access to a course after purchasing?
Once enrolled, you have ongoing access to your course materials through the Academy platform. You can learn at your own pace and revisit content any time from any device.
Can my employer or organization pay for a course?
Absolutely. Courses can be purchased individually or for a team. If you’re registering multiple people or need an invoice for your organization, reach out to the Small Housing team directly at info@smallhousingbc.org
I am not sure which course is right for me.
Who creates the course content?
Courses are developed by Small Housing — a BC-based nonprofit with deep expertise in gentle density policy, advocacy, and the realities of building in BC. Content is built around BC’s specific zoning rules, Step Code requirements, and development context.
What is Gentle Density Housing?
Gentle density creates homes for everyone—whether it’s a smaller space for your aging parent, a first home for you and your partner, or a place for future generations – to thrive in established communities. Learn more
Where should I start if I'm new to gentle density?
Start with Small Housing’s free resources. The Gentle Density Toolbox contains everything you need to know about gentle density housing, with Sample Designs and Case Studies showing what’s possible. Then join the Gentle Density Network, designed for BC planners, for the latest research and policy developments.
Are more courses coming?
Yes — the Academy is actively expanding. Sign up below to be notified when new courses and cohorts are available.