National Survey Highlights Urgent Issues and Solutions for Building Stronger Communities
OTTAWA, April 8, 2025 – As Canadians prepare to head to the polls on April 28, 2025, a new survey by the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) reveals concerns among professional planners about housing affordability, climate resilience, and transportation – issues that shape community well-being and economic stability. The nationwide survey highlights that planners, as catalysts of sustainable growth, are crucial in addressing these challenges with evidence-based, forward-thinking solutions.
Professional planners, equipped to design for both current and future generations, tackle everything from housing development to climate-resilient infrastructure. Their expertise uniquely positions them to guide Canada through today’s uncertainties while securing a prosperous future for all. The CIP survey underscores the need for action paired with strategic, long-term planning to create stronger, more equitable communities across the country.
Housing Crisis: Planners Bring Solutions to the Table
The survey paints a stark picture of Canada’s housing crisis, with 85.02% of planners identifying the expansion of affordable housing supply through planning policies and zoning reforms as a top priority. More than half (55.67%) emphasize the need for better alignment of housing policies across federal, provincial, and municipal levels to break down regulatory barriers. While 47.11% point to supply shortages as a key driver of the crisis, nearly a quarter (24.24%) highlight demand-side pressures, including a critical lack of non-market housing.
As Canada races to build faster, professional planners stress that their expertise can ensure these efforts are sustainable for the long term.
Climate Resilience: A Green Future With or Without the Carbon Tax
On climate change, planners are divided yet optimistic about progress. While 36.43% express confidence in achieving climate goals without a consumer carbon tax, 38.91% remain skeptical – suggesting a path forward exists beyond consumer taxation. An overwhelming 83.76% of respondents believe integrating climate mitigation and adaptation into planning policies, paired with increased federal investment, is essential to safeguarding communities against rising climate risks.
From flood-resistant infrastructure to greener urban design, planners are equipped to lead the charge toward a more resilient Canada today and into the future.
Transportation: Building Connected, Livable Communities
Transportation emerged as a cornerstone of sustainable planning, with 92.27% of planners advocating for compact, mixed-use, and transit-oriented development to reduce car dependence and promote active transportation, like walking and cycling. A strong majority (70.69%) view this approach as very important, signalling strong support for strategies that combat urban sprawl, ease traffic congestion, and foster healthier, more connected communities.
Planners are ready to champion multi-modal transit solutions that meet the growing demand for livable, accessible, and healthier communities.
Planners Ready to Partner with Leaders
As skilled navigators of public engagement and evidence-based decision-making, the Canadian Institute of Planners and our members are poised to collaborate with elected officials. With federal party leaders making campaign commitments to build faster, professional planners can give confidence to Canadians and elected officials that the decisions being made are the right ones. We aim to deliver timely, fiscally responsible, and forward-looking solutions to today’s biggest challenges and assist in their implementation from coast-to-coast-to-coast. The expertise of Canada’s professional planners will offer answers for addressing today’s urgent challenges while securing a prosperous future for all Canadians.
-30-
For more information or to request an interview with a planning expert, please contact
Media contact:
Lauren Murray (she/her)
Manager, Communications
800.207.2138 x 207
communications@cip-icu.ca
About the Canadian Institute of Planners
The Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) works on behalf of over 9,500 diverse planning professionals and has served as the voice of Canada’s planning community since 1919. Planners safeguard the health and well-being of urban and rural communities by addressing the use of land, resources, facilities, and services with consideration to physical, economic, and social efficiency.