What If the Housing Crisis Isn’t a Crisis at All?

What if the housing “crisis” isn’t the real problem?

Buckle up, because we’re about to reframe this. Instead of seeing housing as something to fix in a broken system, what if the bigger question is: What kind of community do we REALLY want to be in and why?

This week I went to the 600+ delegate Vancouver Island Economic Alliance Summit where - for the second year in a row, there was a lot of discussion about the 'housing crisis' plaguing Canada and the USA. There were discussions about what to do about it - reducing red tape, embracing technology, increasing adoption of modular homes, mitigating rising municipal costs, politicking around whether government or private industry is responsible for social housing. Each of these solutions had potential to incrementally address the problem. But I left feeling uncertain I was in the right room because I see things differently.

Here's what I see. The housing crisis is not the problem, it is a symptom. The REAL problem is something else...which will soon become clear. And the solution requires bold, exponential efforts of everyone who has vested interest in having a roof over their head.

Let’s start by zooming out. Right now, our communities are largely built with economic goals at their core: maximizing revenue, expanding tax bases, and creating systems of ownership and debt. From zoning policies to towering skyscrapers, this “growth-first” mentality has shaped everything. The result? A mismatch between how we want to live and the spaces we inhabit. The housing crisis, therefore, isn’t an isolated issue; it’s a symptom of communities shaped by what we might call a lower state of consciousness. It’s about serving the economy rather than serving people. But what would happen if we designed communities focused on well-being and longevity instead?

Imagine a world where communities aren’t a maze of transactions, but places built to foster long, healthy, and meaningful lives. In this vision, “housing” isn’t just a roof over our heads but an invitation to thrive. And the answer doesn’t lie in simply building more houses (though we need them!) but in how we build, where we build, and why we build.

Imagine a community designed with “high-consciousness” principles. This means shifting priorities from economic development alone to holistic development, considering mental and physical well-being as essential components of community planning. Picture parks as abundant as parking lots, walking trails connecting neighborhoods, local businesses blending seamlessly into residential areas, and every house within walking distance of fresh produce and optimal nourishment toxin free. Housing becomes just one piece of a broader, human-centered puzzle.

What we’re talking about here isn’t pie-in-the-sky idealism; it’s a realistic pivot towards a way of life that balances economy with ecology. In a high-consciousness community, houses might be multi-functional, incorporating green spaces, shared amenities, and plenty of gathering spots. Buildings would have more sustainable designs, lowering carbon footprints. Homes could be adaptable, accommodating families in various life stages and leaving room for multiple generations to thrive while aging in place and exploring differently.

This approach asks us to ditch the familiar mindset of “home as asset” and think of “home as health.” We’re looking at a lifestyle that actively promotes longevity, where people of all ages feel invested in the life of their community. Schools are places of learning and wellness; clinics are resort-inspired community hubs. Think beyond retirement homes—envision villages that support people of all generations to age with dignity.

To get there, we need to prioritize creativity and collaboration over conventional profit. What if local governments, developers, health experts, and educators came together with a single purpose: to build communities focused on healthy living? The more people who rally around this mindset, the closer we’ll get to a reality where the housing crisis becomes a chapter of the past—and where the future is grounded in a high-consciousness approach that supports each person’s healthy longevity.

Simply the complicated. Be clear on the mission to build a community for the purpose of healthy longevity. Take action by letting go of old thinking, behaviour, fears and social constructs. Become a more ideal version of yourself. Take 1, 2 or 3 bold steps in the direction of your ideal future without inhibitions. Tell people what you desire - those with similar desires will be inspired by you, collaborate with you, model you or follow you - which quite simply are all amazing outcomes.

So, the question isn’t whether the housing crisis can be solved, but collectively how willing are we to evolve the very foundations on which we build? Individually, are you willing to lead the change you know needs to happen? Are you willing to let go of limitations holding evolution back? How can you invest now to see healthy-returns-on-investment for those you care about?

Let’s dare to build communities where housing isn’t a problem to fix but a key to unlocking lives well-lived. Only together, each of us contributing to the mission of Healthy longevity for All will our network of bold, brave, healthy longevity enthusiasts challenge the status quo and imagine then build a network of village-inspired places worth living for.

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I am an?OpenExO Solutions ?certified Ambassador & Sprint Director, Mindvalley Coach , and FuturVille 's inaugural Development Director. At FuturVille , we decided to live for 10-100+ more years with optimal health, and we know the best way to do this is to be in the right environment with other healthy longevity enthusiasts. We also know the best way to predict the future is to create it.? So, we are creating prototype villages – our 1st one in Vulcan, Alberta Canada where you can “Live Long & Prosper”. The village is becoming a showcase of amazing products, services, expertise, and assets that contribute to healthy longevity.

Let's not dwell on the crisis, let's do everything we can to create and build the BEST communities we can imagine close to home.

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