Glossary

A secondary housing unit placed on a single-family residential lot. ADUs can be detached (a separate unit in a backyard) or a conversion of existing space (like turning a garage into a living space). They provide an independent living area with sleeping, cooking, and bathroom facilities. Sometimes ADUs are called laneway homes, suites, carriage houses, or go by other names.

The process by which new housing innovations, policies, or solutions are accepted and implemented by individuals, communities, or municipalities. In this dashboard, homeowner adoption potential is assessed based on two key factors: willingness and capability. Willingness refers to whether a homeowner would consider building a specific housing innovation on their property within the next five years. Capability refers to whether a homeowner could financially afford to build a specific housing innovation on their property or a future property within the next five years.

Housing that costs less than 30% of a household's before-tax income. It encompasses various forms of tenure such as rental, ownership, and co-operative ownership, in addition to both temporary and permanent housing solutions. It can include housing provided by the private, public, and non-profit sectors.

A self-contained housing unit within a larger residential building, typically rented by tenants. Apartments can vary in size and layout and are often part of multi-story complexes that may include shared amenities such as laundry facilities, parking, or recreational areas.

Capability to adopt refers to a homeowner's ability to implement a housing innovation based on financial and structural factors. In this dashboard, capability is measured by whether a homeowner could afford to build a specific housing innovation on their property or a future property within the next five years.

A community bond for affordable housing projects is an investment issued by a non-profit or community organization that develops affordable housing. Community bonds allow individuals to lend money to directly support the development of affordable housing in their local area, with the promise of a fixed financial return over a set time period and a positive social impact.

Individuals who reside in and contribute to a particular neighborhood or locality. In this study and dashboard, the questions asked to community members were more focused on their attitudes toward accepting innovations in their neighbourhood, rather than their individual potential adoption or purchase of an innovation.

Companies or individuals responsible for designing, financing, and constructing residential housing. Developers and builders may specialize in various types of housing, including single-family homes, multi-unit developments, and affordable housing projects.

A residential building containing two separate housing units, either side by side or stacked on top of each other with each unit having its own entrance, kitchen, and living space.

A residential building that contains four separate housing units, each with its own entrance, kitchen, and living facilities.

Individuals who are at least 25 years old and either currently own and occupy a residential property or intend to purchase a home within the next five years.

A form of housing that fits the gap between low-rise, primarily single-family homes and mid-rise apartment buildings, such as duplexes, triplexes, and multiplexes.

A construction method where a home is built in sections or modules in a factory setting. These are then transported to the building site and assembled into a complete house. Respondents generally do not differentiate between prefab and modular construction, so we usually merge findings related to these innovations, as they are perceived as the same concept in public understanding.

A professional responsible for guiding land use, housing development, permit approvals, and infrastructure planning at the municipal level.

A broad term referring to individuals, organizations, or businesses that hold legal ownership of residential properties. Owners may include homeowners, landlords, housing co-operatives, and developers.

A construction method where components of the home are manufactured off-site. Prefabricated construction encompasses various construction techniques, including modular, panelized, and pre-cut homes. These components are then transported to the site, where they are assembled. Respondents generally do not differentiate between prefab and modular construction, so we usually merge findings related to these innovations, as they are perceived as the same concept in public understanding.

Individuals or households who lease a residential property rather than owning it.

A series of attached housing units that share side walls with neighboring units but have separate entrances.

A geographic area characterized by low population density and a high proportion of open land. Rural areas have concentrations or densities below the thresholds used to define urban areas.

A single-family home that shares one common wall with an adjacent house, with each unit having its own separate entrance and yard space.

A detached residential structure designed to house one household. Single-family homes are traditionally the dominant form of housing in suburban and rural areas, often featuring private yards, driveways, and garages.

A residential area located on the outskirts of a city, characterized by lower population density, single-family homes, and car-dependent infrastructure. Suburban communities often offer larger housing units and green spaces but may have limited public transit and walkability compared to urban areas.

This innovation combines affordable housing with a range of services designed to support individuals and families facing challenges such as homelessness, mental health issues, substance abuse, or disabilities. The goal is to provide a stable and supportive environment that enables the residents to live more independently and improve their quality of life. Services may include case management, healthcare, job training, and social activities, tailored to the needs of the residents.

A multi-story residential unit that shares side walls with neighboring units, combining aspects of both single-family homes and apartment living. Townhouses often include small private yards or patios and are a common form of middle-density housing.

A residential building containing three separate housing units, each with its own entrance, kitchen, and living facilities.

A high-density geographic area characterized by concentrated housing, commercial spaces, and infrastructure. These are built-up areas having a minimum population concentration of 1,000 persons and a population density of at least 400 persons per square kilometer based on the previous census.

A professional responsible for designing and regulating land use, housing, transportation, and community development in cities and metropolitan areas.

The degree to which individuals or communities are open to implementing new housing solutions, technologies, or policies. Willingness to adopt is influenced by cultural attitudes, perceived benefits, financial considerations, and regulatory environments.