Halifax is turning to its residents for solutions to the city's 'missing middle' housing problem. A public survey is now available online, inviting citizens to share their ideas and concerns regarding the lack of affordable and diverse housing options in the region.
What Is 'Missing Middle' Housing?
'Missing middle' housing refers to a range of multi-unit or clustered housing types—such as duplexes, triplexes, townhouses, and small apartment buildings—that are compatible in scale with single-family homes but provide higher density. These options are often missing from many neighborhoods, limiting choices for families, seniors, and young professionals.
According to city officials, Halifax is lagging behind other Canadian cities in addressing this issue. 'We're way behind,' said a spokesperson. The survey aims to gather feedback on potential policy changes, zoning amendments, and incentives to encourage the development of these housing types.
How to Participate
The survey is open until June 15, 2026, and can be accessed through the city's official website. Residents are encouraged to provide input on topics such as preferred housing types, location priorities, and design considerations.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to tackle the housing crisis in Halifax, where rising costs and limited supply have made it difficult for many to find suitable homes. The city plans to use the survey results to inform a new housing strategy, expected to be released later this year.
