In this episode, conservative pundit Sabrina Maddeaux and economist Mike Moffatt discuss the potential of factory built homes as a solution to the housing crisis. They explore the promises made by politicians regarding prefabricated housing, the spectrum of factory built homes, and the claims of reduced construction times, costs, and emissions. The conversation delves into the current challenges faced in North America, including regulatory barriers and municipal approvals.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Factory Built Homes (FBH)

01:34 Innovation in homebuilding

03:25 Understanding the spectrum of factory built homes

05:22 Claims of speed, cost, and emissions

07:45 Current challenges in North America

09:33 Where do the reductions in emissions come from?

10:18 Perceptions of FBH among younger generations

13:30 Regulatory barriers to adoption

15:41 Municipal approvals and their impact

17:40 Where would the election promise money go?

19:19 The potential benefits for traditional builders

20:12 Optimism for the future of FBH

Research/Links:

Scott Aitchison

Building More, Building Faster

Caivan

Why is it So Hard to Mass-Produce Housing?

Eight Pieces of Housing Advice to the Prime Minister

Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux

Produced by Meredith Martin

This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

In this episode of The Missing Middle podcast, hosts Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt discuss the impossible trinity that broke Canadian housing. They explore the implications of stagnant neighborhoods, population growth, and government policies that hinder housing affordability. The conversation delves into the complexities of urban planning, the impact of NIMBYism, and the need for realistic solutions to address the housing crisis.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:06 Gregor Robertson’s rough start as Minister of Housing

03:51 Increased government housing would impact home prices

05:06 Understanding the Impossible Trinity that broke housing

07:37 Examples of cities doing two of three

10:03 Not allowed to grow up or out equals spiking prices

11:21 The illusion of legalized fourplexes

14:15 Ottawa’s zoning reform and stupid two-story height limit

17:33 Toronto’s wealthiest areas are the least dense

18:20 Proposed solutions for housing affordability

Research links:

The Impossible Trinity that Broke Canadian Housing

Can Homes Become Affordable Without Prices Going Down?

Toronto Star fourplex piece

How Community Consultation is Ruining Democracy

Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux

Produced by Meredith Martin

This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:13 Job market statistics

02:10 Why the job market is so bad right now

04:27 Different ways to measure the job market

07:02 Things are particularly bad in Ontario

09:02 High unemployment fractures the social fabric

11:25 The impact of a slow job market on lifetime earning

13:32 How youth unemployment shapes political priorities

14:58 Will the soft job market result in increased school enrollment?

17:40 Is an improved credential worth the cost?

20:41 Job searching lasting over six months

22:08 Solutions and policy recommendations

Research/links

Canadian Labour Market Update Q1 2025: Jobs in Purgatory

Ontario’s unemployment rate jumps to 7% even as ‘moderate’ job creation continues

Alex Usher blog - Opportunity and Talent

Something Alarming Is Happening to the Job Market

Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson review – make America build again

Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux

Produced by Meredith Martin

This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.