What is Gentle Density Housing?

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  • What is Gentle Density Housing?

The Housing Problem, in Plain Sight

Here’s the opportunity:

Canada has 7.8 million single-detached homes—most of them built decades ago for a different time, a different lifestyle, and much larger families.

But today? Times have changed. And our housing supply hasn’t kept up.

Across Canada, it’s getting harder to find a home—especially one that’s affordable, close to work, and connected to the people and places that matter most. We’re seeing a dramatic shortfall. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation found that we’ll need to build 5.8 million new homes by 2030 to restore affordability. Yet, at our current pace, we’re on track for less than half that number.

And with just one housing start for every 4.9 people entering the workforce there is no precedent for a housing supply deficit of this magnitude.

This shortfall isn’t just a statistic—it’s a lived reality. Up to 30% of households in Canada and the U.S. are spending more than half of their income on rent. That’s not sustainable.

Meanwhile, many of our neighbourhoods remain frozen in time—zoned almost exclusively for single-detached homes. That worked when families were bigger, land was cheaper, and staying close to jobs and services wasn’t as crucial.

But today, the landscape looks different:

  • More people are living alone or retiring.
  • Our population is growing—fast.
  • Young people, newcomers, and essential workers are being priced out or pushed out.
  • The homes we do have are often too large, too expensive, or simply unavailable.

We need more homes—and we need them in the places people already live, work, and belong.

Gentle Density is One of the Answers

There’s no silver bullet to fix the housing crisis. But gentle density offers a practical step forward: It means adding laneway suites, triplexes, backyard cottages, and multiplexes in neighbourhoods we already know and love. These small-scale, ground-oriented homes offer flexibility, accessibility, and adaptability—without radically changing a community’s look and feel.

What’s more, most Canadians believe gentle density can help. Research from Abacus Data shows:

  • 85% think it will improve housing availability or affordability in their region.
  • Only 29% oppose gentle density on their own block—challenging the idea that NIMBYism is an insurmountable barrier.
  • In fact, 36% actively support it nearby, showing room to build understanding and shift perceptions.

Why 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.

More Accessible Homes

Offers a wider range of housing options for different incomes and backgrounds.

Smart Use of Resources

Builds on existing municipal infrastructure, saving costs on new developments.

Affordable Living

Compact designs and shared land costs make housing more affordable than traditional single-family houses.

Stronger Communities

Supports multi-generational living, aging in place, and helps families stay connected to their neighborhoods.

Environmental Impact

Reduces urban sprawl and lowers emissions, promoting sustainable growth.

Why is the missing middle still missing?

Explore the key challenges to getting gentle density built with About Here and Uytae Lee.

Do you want to find out more about gentle density?

We have developed a suite of useful materials designed to educate and strengthen your understanding of gentle density housing projects. 

Our mission & vision