Calgary is growing — and with that growth comes a pressing need for more diverse, affordable, and sustainable housing options. For decades, the city’s housing market has been dominated by two extremes: single-family homes and high-rise apartments. What’s missing? The “middle” — and that’s exactly where middle housing comes in.
In this article, we explore why middle housing matters for Calgary’s future.
What Is Middle Housing?
Middle housing includes a variety of home types that bridge the gap between detached single-family homes and large apartment buildings. These include duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, live/work lofts, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) such as backyard suites or basement apartments.
These types of homes are often built within existing communities, offering more affordable and flexible options for people at different “ages, stages, and wages.”
Why Middle Housing Matters
1. Addressing Calgary’s Housing Crisis
Calgary, like many Canadian cities, faces a serious housing affordability and supply challenge. Traditionally, most housing options have been either large, detached homes or downtown condos — leaving a “missing middle” for families, first-time buyers, and middle-income earners.
Middle housing helps bridge that gap by introducing more diverse and affordable choices. For example:
A duplex in a comparable community can be up to 23% cheaper than a detached home. By spreading land costs across multiple units, builders can create more attainable homes for those earning $50,000–$100,000 annually. These homes offer a “housing ladder” — allowing residents to move within their community as their needs and incomes change.
2. Supporting Sustainable Urban Growth
The City of Calgary’s Municipal Development Plan aims for 50% of future population growth to occur within existing developed areas. Middle housing makes this goal achievable by promoting gentle density — adding more homes without dramatically changing a community’s character.
This approach:
- Reduces urban sprawl and conserves greenfield land.
- Makes better use of existing roads, utilities, and transit systems.
- Supports vibrant, walkable communities where local businesses and amenities can thrive.
3. Encouraging Vibrant, Inclusive Communities
Middle housing supports a balanced mix of people, such as young professionals, retirees, and everyone in between. This diversity brings vitality and stability to communities, helping them evolve and grow together.
Common Concerns — And How They’re Addressed
Understandably, change brings questions. Here’s how Calgary is addressing the most common community concerns around middle housing:
Maintaining Community Character
Concern: New, higher-density homes will disrupt established community aesthetics.
Response: Calgary’s design guidelines emphasize contextual, human-scaled architecture that blends with existing homes. Middle housing is low-rise by nature (1–4 stories), allowing for “gentle” density that fits in seamlessly.
Parking and Traffic
Concern: More residents mean more cars and congestion.
Response: Many middle housing developments are built near transit routes, and the city is adopting flexible parking standards based on actual demand. Off-street parking and lane access solutions are common, reducing strain on residential streets.
Privacy and Noise
Concern: Closer homes could lead to noise and privacy issues.
Response: Smart site planning, setbacks, and landscaping reduce sightlines and sound transmission. Calgary’s Community Standards Bylaw also enforces noise limits, ensuring a balanced community environment.
Infrastructure Capacity
Concern: Can local infrastructure handle more residents?
Response: Calgary is strategically planning growth through infill development and targeted infrastructure investments. By adding homes where roads, schools, and utilities already exist, the city ensures efficient and sustainable service delivery.
Policy and Progress: Calgary Leads the Way
In 2024, Calgary took a bold step forward with a citywide rezoning initiative that allows multi-unit homes “as-of-right” in many residential areas. This landmark policy removes outdated barriers, streamlines approvals, and encourages more middle housing to be built faster.
The result? More housing choice, greater affordability, and a city that grows smarter — not just bigger.
Read our blog post here to learn more about the citywide rezoning.
Building a Balanced Future
Middle housing isn’t just about buildings — it’s about people, choice, and community. It provides affordable homes for families, supports local businesses, and helps Calgary grow sustainably without losing its unique character.
By embracing gentle density and thoughtful design, Calgary is laying the foundation for a more inclusive, vibrant, and resilient future — one duplex, fourplex, and backyard suite at a time.
Have questions about middle housing initiatives in your community? We're here to talk.
