, the National Post satirically re-imagines a week in the life of a newsmaker. This week, Tristin Hopper takes a journey inside the thoughts of the Canadian housing market itself.The NP Comment newsletter from columnist Colby Cosh and NP Comment editors tackles the important topics with boldness, verve and wit. Get NP Platformed delivered to your inbox weekdays by 4 p.m. ET.By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
In addition to its obvious economic fruits, this bold new era of high-value Canadian real estate has also yielded a golden age of innovation. The modern Canadian can raise their family in a 400-square foot condo that maximizes space through the use of in-couch storage or kitchen islands that double as cribs. And nobody’s stopped you from abandoning your family, social circle and career in order to start fresh in the likes of Rimbey, Alta., or Govan, Sask.
I struggle to think of anything more regressive. To me, modernity is the awe-inspiring sight of a modern building project that spares no expense on even the most peripheral externality. $10,000 for an archaeological survey. $20,000 for the careful dismantling and carbon-free recycling of any existing structures. $30,000 in consulting fees and assessments to ensure that the project does not disrupt the sight lines of any native lichen.
Anyone who has ever tried to obtain a land use approval/building permit will understand that “red-tape” really is a huge factor in the overall price of housing.