The Canada Housing Design Catalogue was a concept born out of the latter days of the Justin Trudeau administration that recalled the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) catalogues of home designs first published in 1947.

The idea was taken up by the new Liberal government, with renderings released in March. In the meantime, the homebuilding industry has been waiting for details. This week, detailed construction plans became available for free downloading.

The focus of the standardized designs is on the gentle densification of existing urban areas rather than on greenfield development.

“This catalogue is designed to streamline building and encourage the kind of gentle density we urgently need, while taking into account local and regional needs throughout Canada,” said Tim Louis, Kitchener – Conestoga MP.

Among the 50 individual designs offered are multiple choices for accessory dwellings for existing lots, duplexes and multi-plexes, offering contemporary appearances that should blend with established neighbourhoods.

Each design is suited to specific areas of Canada, based largely on climatic differences as well as code variations.