Concerted Action on the ‘Missing Middle’

Background

This project addressed regulatory barriers within the NBCC that limit the development of mid-rise, multi-unit housing. Current requirements for multiple egress points constrain design flexibility, increase construction costs, and restrict the viability of ‘missing middle’ housing forms. In contrast, many international jurisdictions permit single-egress designs where alternative life-safety measures are in place. The project developed an evidence-based case for reforming the NBCC to allow single-egress multi-unit housing, aligning Canadian building code standards with international practices while enabling more cost-effective, design-flexible approaches to delivering affordable mid-density housing.

Methodology

This project developed a technical dossier documenting the design, safety, and regulatory case for single-egress multi-unit housing. Drawing on comparative analysis of international building codes and in consultation with architects, engineers, and industry partners, the project submitted of a formal proposal to the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes to make the case for single-egress zoning changes.

See more on the continuation of this project on the Moving Forward on the ‘Missing Middle’ project page.

Results

The project produced evidence based outputs such as a film screening, podcast episode, research webinar, policy reports, journal article and a presentation. This project has successfully lobbied the Government of Ontario to demand high-level discussion of reform to the NBCC concerning where and under what conditions single-egress residential construction is permitted.