Energy and front porches: building the nation through housing

Nation – building projects aren’t the only thing shaping federal priorities these days. Ottawa is now building toward affordability with the launch of Build Canada Homes (BCH), a $13 billion program to accelerate housing construction. By cutting approval times and boosting supply, the government is aiming to ease one of the most pressing cost pressures facing Canadian families. 

Housing and energy are inseparable. New builds will raise demand for power, heating, and cooling, putting added strain on electricity grids and energy systems. Location also matters, new suburban or rural projects require extended power lines and grids, adding infrastructure costs.  

Rapid homebuilding also raises demand for materials like steel and cement, pulling more power into industrial supply chains. BCH will also be shaped by the federal government’s new Buy Canadian policy, which directs projects to prioritize Canadian lumber, steel, and other domestic materials. The economy will benefit from new job opportunities, with additional electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians and other experts needed for both housing and energy projects. Depending on how codes are written, BCH could accelerate adoption of technologies such as heat pumps, smart meters, and EV-ready wiring, creating new markets for manufacturers. 

BCH is a reminder that affordability rests not only on the cost of a home, but on the energy systems that will keep it running. Engaged women know that Canada’s energy sector isn’t just economics, it’s personal, and it shapes their homes and their budgets. The path forward will be about building affordability that lasts and considering housing and energy together.