The federal government is turning to modular housing in its latest attempt to ease Canada’s housing crisis — and taking a quicker route. Ottawa announced that it is awarding a $600,000 contract directly to a B.C. supplier if no potential bidders come forward.

Contracts awarded to a pre-selected supplier are tightly restricted under federal rules, partly to avoid the perception of favouritism. But the National Research Council (NRC), a research body within Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, moved ahead in July, issuing a call for firms to argue that they could meet the modular housing contract’s specific requirements.