Our housing gap. The missing middle.

When people talk about housing, the conversation often lands in two camps.

Either dense towers and larger apartment buildings, or single family detached homes.

Between those two is a whole category of homes that many cities don’t build nearly enough of. That’s what people mean when they talk about the “missing middle.”

What is the missing middle

Missing middle housing is simply housing between a tower and a house.

Think:

• duplexes

• fourplexes

• townhomes and rowhomes

• small walk up apartments

These forms can fit into neighbourhoods in a more gradual way. They don’t require a tower on every corner. They also don’t assume the only alternative is one detached home per lot.

Why it matters

Missing middle is one of the most practical ways to add housing options without changing everything at once.

It can happen gradually across the city. It can create more choices for renters, families, and first time buyers. And it can make it easier for families to live closer together. That matters for real life support, from childcare help to aging parents to community connection.

Cost and access

Housing affordability is complex, but the mechanics here are straightforward.

One lot, more homes. That means land cost is shared across more units. Smaller homes generally cost less. And more units means more supply.

Example for 6 more affordable homes (compared to a single family detached home)

Missing middle won’t solve affordability on its own. But it can widen the range of homes available in a city, and that’s a meaningful step.

How it’s done matters

The conversation gets tense when people feel like change will be careless or out of scale.

That’s why the “how” matters:

• maintaining neighbourhood feel

• thoughtful scale and spacing

• quality materials and design

• making sure it’s actually attainable, not just theoretical

In other words. Good growth isn’t just about adding units. It’s about adding them well.

Closing question

If we’re trying to fill the missing middle in the City of North Vancouver, what should we prioritize most.

Duplexes and fourplexes. Townhomes. Small walk ups. Purpose built rentals. Family sized homes. Something else.