2018 Opportunity Unlocked
 



Agenda

Schedule of conference sessions


We organized this year's programming into five streams that reflect key areas of non-profit housing management. Foundations (fundamental topics for housing professionals), Building (operations and development), Communities (working with staff and tenants), Our Future (planning and innovation), Leadership Series (high-concept issues facing the sector).

Sessions

The term “student” is a confusing area of the Housing Services Act, 2011 (HSA). Learn how to ask the right questions and collect the right information to calculate rent for a Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) household that includes a student. Come prepared with questions and your own examples and learn to:

• recognize “students” according to HSA regulations
• identify what types of student income are included and excluded
• apply basic steps in an RGI rent calculation
• perform RGI rent calculations for students with confidence

Roberta Jagoe, Policy Analyst, Region of Durham Housing Services Division

102 A Beginner’s Guide to Non-Profit Housing Development
Friday, October 26
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Stream: Foundations  

Join Durham Region Non-Profit Housing Corporation as they journey through a development project from concept to completion and learn how they have successfully built new affordable housing units in today’s ever-changing environment. Discover their lessons learned and:

• initial strategic assessments
• the building concept
• mortgage severance and land severance
• financials and construction
• leasing and final occupancy

Patti Bell, Executive Director, Durham Region Non-Profit Housing Corporation
Tracy Greig,Chief Operating Officer, Durham Region Non-Profit Housing Corporation

103 What Can Go Wrong? Mitigating Risk Through Insurance Trends
Friday, October 26
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Stream: Foundations  

Insurance claims offer a unique window into what can go wrong in our communities and how we can make them safer. Join Brian Laur of Housing Services Corporation (HSC), as he explores:

• claims trends from HSC’s Group and Tenant Insurance Programs
• key risks - longstanding and emerging
• ways to help mitigate risk and keep residents and your organization secure

Brian Laur, Director, Insurance and Risk Management, Housing Services Corporation (HSC)

104 Building It Better: Designing Cost-Effective, Energy Efficient Affordable Housing
Friday, October 26
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Stream: Building 

Building affordable housing? Details like building envelopes and equipment placement can have a significant impact on energy use. Learn about the solutions Enbridge’s Affordable Housing New Construction program provides, including:

• the design charrette process
• innovative energy modelling
• cost-savings and incentives for energy-efficient designs

Cam Black, Energy Solutions Consultant, Enbridge Gas Distribution
Mike Singleton,Executive Director, Sustainable Buildings Canada

105 The Journey of Renegotiating an Operating Agreement
Friday, October 26
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Stream: Communities  

In 2017, Centres d’Accueil Heritage was facing the end of their operating agreement. They took this opportunity to re-examine the organization to better prepare for renegotiation and the resulting changes. Learn about how, with very little direction from municipal partners, they:

• undertook an exhaustive review
• engaged with staff, residents, board members and partners to define their future
• negotiated an agreement that mirrors their strategic objectives

Barbara Ceccarelli,Executive Director, Centres d’Accueil Heritage

106 Enhancing Resident Services with Technology
Friday, October 26
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Stream: Communities  

Resident care is crucial to the mission of every social housing provider. Gain valuable insights and hear real world examples of how social housing providers are enhancing resident services using automated, mobile solutions for:

• waitlist and case management
• resident communication
• team responsiveness

Peter Altobelli, Vice President and General Manager, Yardi Canada Ltd.

Supportive housing tenants are aging in place at an exponential rate, many prematurely and with disproportional challenges. Based on 2016-17 data, Mainstay Housing saw that 75 per cent of their tenants were 45+ years of age. Hear about how they convened a multi-organizational collaboration to:

• engage over 340 service users, providers and key informants
• find solutions for aging in place needs
• equip stakeholders with knowledge and tools to respond to this growing need

Azad Pervez, Performance Measurement Supervisor, Mainstay Housing
Volletta Peters, Director, Tenant and Member Services, Mainstay Housing
Gord Singer, Tenant, Mainstay Housing

Raising the Roof's Reside program is a new initiative developed from the United Kingdom’s Canopy Housing program, an evidence-based model to reduce homelessness. Learn more about Reside, including:

• the program’s adaptation for Canada
• how they are turning vacant properties into housing for vulnerable populations
• challenges and successes experienced by the Reside team

Michael Braithwaite, CEO, Raising the Roof
Christine Pacini, Partner, SHS Consulting
Marc Soberano, Executive Director, Building Up

In November 2017, the federal government released Canada’s first National Housing Strategy which lays out a 10-year, $40 billion plan for housing. A major component of the Strategy is the recently launched National Housing Co-Investment Fund which will support new construction and repair/renewal through approximately $13.2 billion in direct financial contributions and loans. Join Charles MacArthur, Senior V-P, Regional Operations & Assisted Housing from the Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation (CMHC) to learn about:

• The National Housing Strategy and its objectives
• the Co-Investment Fund
• other funding and financing opportunities available through the Strategy

Charles MacArthur, Senior V-P, Regional Operations & Assisted Housing, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)

110 A Friendly Amalgamation
Friday, October 26
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Stream: Our Future  

In January 2018, two strong, independent non-profit housing organizations, Kitchener Alliance Community Homes Inc. (KACHI) and Victoria Park Community Homes, amalgamated - they understood that they could be even stronger together. Join representatives from both organizations to hear about:

• the benefits of amalgamation for both organizations
• the decision-making process
• how they maintained stability for staff and tenants during the merger

Steve Holman, Chairperson, Victoria Park Community Homes
Paul Mustin, past Chairperson, KACHI

What happens when a private developer is motivated to solve the affordable housing crisis in their community? Bethlehem Housing and Support Services in Niagara Region successfully partnered with a local private sector developer on an affordable housing project. Learn about the replicable model they created and how it can help you:

• motivate private sector partners
• capitalize on innovative municipal tools and policy changes
• generate new opportunities and best practices

Lori Beech, Executive Director, Bethlehem Housing and Support

202 Engaging New Voices in the Housing Sector
Friday, October 26
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Stream: Our Future  

The University of Toronto hosts an annual student-led competition, the Municipal Policy Actions Case Competition (MPACC), to find innovative solutions to problems in municipal policy. This year, MPACC tasked 11 competing teams with pitching a solution to the City of Toronto's difficulties with affordable rental housing. In this session:

• learn about the competition
• meet and engage with new voices entering our sector
• hear the winning team discuss their solution for promoting high-density housing options

Professor Gabriel Eidelman, Assistant Professor, School of Public Policy and Governance, University of Toronto
Alexander Wreford, Master of Public Policy Student, University of Toronto
Rachel Vickerson, Master of Public Policy Student, University of Toronto
Sacha Forstner, Master of Public Policy Student, University of Toronto

203 Managing Conflict: Tips and Tools for Frontline Staff
Friday, October 26
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Stream: Foundations  

Is conflict management a regular part of your workday? Gain tips and tools to help guide you through some of the finer points of conflict management, including:

• de-escalation techniques
• how to set boundaries
• strategies for giving bad news

Peter Bruer, Manager, Conflict Resolution & Training, St. Stephenís Community House

204 What to Expect From a Fire Inspection
Friday, October 26
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Stream: Building  

What should you expect and how should you prepare for a fire inspection? Join the Chief Fire Prevention Officer from the Windsor Fire and Rescue Services to learn important Fire Code information for building owners and managers, including:

• terms and definitions
• Fire Code requirements
• fire safety plans
• upcoming legislation that could impact your organization

John Lee, Chief Fire Prevention Officer, Windsor Fire & Rescue Services
Rob Clark, Building Systems Coordinator, Ottawa Community Housing Corporation (moderator)

205 Repurposing Land for Social Housing
Friday, October 26
2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Stream: Communities  

Discover how your organization can capitalize on underused land in your community. Homes Unlimited, a multi-project non-profit housing corporation, recently repurposed a surplus school site for affordable housing development. Learn how they:

• built an award-winning 22-unit apartment building
• nurtured home ownership and recuperated costs by selling lots to Habitat for Humanity
• maintained sustainability with properties nearing end of operating agreements and mortgages

John Nicholson B.Arch, FRAIC, LEED AP, Principal, Nicholson Sheffield Architects
Gregory Playford Housing Consultant, Board Member, Homes Unlimited

Understanding political acuity and learning how to implement it to effectively influence decisions, identify impacts and outcomes and achieve organizational objectives helps organizations remain strategic and garner support from their community. Join a seasoned public servant to learn more about this important skill, including:

• big picture thinking
• communications
• building strategic relationships
• being proactive

Ronna Hope Warsh, Leadership, Coaching and Consulting

207 Providing Safe Housing and Support for Gender Diverse Individuals
Friday, October 26
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Stream: Communities  

BLOOM is an innovative and ground-breaking transitional gender housing program and networking group serving gender diverse individuals, aiming to reduce the number of these individuals in the shelter system. Hear about:

• how BLOOM provides a safe space for gender diverse individuals to medically transition
• programs and supports provided through LOFT Community Services and other network partners
• how your organization can create safe space for gender diverse individuals

Jake Farr, MSW, RSW, co-Chair, BLOOM Network
Kay Roesslein, Director, LOFT Community Services/BLOOM and Co-Chair, BLOOM Network

Budgets, financial statements, monthly reporting. If just reading this list raises your stress levels, this session is for you. Learn the basics of non-profit finances from an expert with years of experience in non-profit housing. Gain an understanding of:

• financial statements
• monthly reporting
• the right questions and how to ask them

Veronica Fowler, Manager, Finance and Administration, Victoria Park Community Homes

Embracing technology can bring amazing advantages and opportunities to an organization. Community Living Essex County has recently utilized technology that allows people with intellectual disabilities and others to live independently in a safe environment. Join them for a video tour and hear about:

• the implementation process
• challenges faced
• outcomes and benefits
• important considerations for your organization

Corey Dalgleish, Director, Community Living Supports, Community Living Essex County
Shelbey Pillon, Project Manager, Smart Support ñ Technology Enabled Services, Community Living Essex County

210 Accreditation: Lessons from the Healthcare Sector
Friday, October 26
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Stream: Our Future   |   Format: Learn

In the proposed modernized framework, housing providers would need to be accredited and assessed against set provincial standards. Learn more about the assessment process from Accreditation Canada, and about Woodgreen Community Services journey to become accredited by the same agency. Get an overview of:

• the potential implementation process for accreditation
• what the criteria might look like
• lessons we can take away from the healthcare sector

Bruce Graham, Senior Manager, People and Culture, Woodgreen Community Services
Frank O’Driscoll, Director, Growth Markets, Accreditation Canada

211 Think Outside the Box: Solving the Affordable Housing Crisis
Friday, October 26
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Stream: Leadership Series  

Limited space available
Join us for an evocative discussion as we explore possible solutions to Ontario's affordable housing crisis from the viewpoint of other associations working within the housing context. Hear a panel of experts engage in a lively debate that will get us thinking outside the box as they share insights on addressing affordable housing needs, including:

• the role of developers, homebuilders and private landlords
• innovative models already in place to engage community housing providers
• how we can work collectively with the real estate sector

Margaret Herd, Federation of Rental-Housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO)
Tim Hudak, CEO, Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA)
Richard Joy, Executive Director, Urban Land Institute
Joe Vaccaro, CEO, Ontario Homebuilders Association (OHBA)
John Matheson, Principal, StrategyCorp (moderator)

212 Tour Via Transit: Partnering to Connect Housing, Transit and Culture
Friday, October 26
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Stream: Building  

Limited space available
Hop on the UP express from Union Station and join the City of Toronto’s Affordable Housing Office, non-profits Artscape and Options for Homes, and private developer Rockport in Weston, a historic neighbourhood outside of Toronto’s core that has not had seen significant development since the 1970s. Experience an informative tour of two game-changing developments in progress and get insights into how, together with the community, these organizations:

• found spaces to develop including a surplus parking lot and an unfinished supermarket
• initiated a land swap
• are spurring inclusive revitalization with affordable rental and ownership homes, a community cultural hub and park space

LoriAnn Girvan, Chief Operating Officer, Artscape
Sean Gadon, Director, Affordable Housing Office, City of Toronto
Jack Winberg, CEO, The Rockport Group
Kathryn Randle, Development Manager, The Rockport Group
Jordana Ross, Director, Planning and Development, Options for Homes

Sponsored by
Enbridge Gas distribution

213 Bus Tour: Pan Am Athletes Village: Housing Partnerships in Action
Friday, October 26
2:00-4:00 p.m.

Stream:Our Future  

Hop on the bus and join Fred Victor and Wigwamen for a discussion and tour and:
• Get an overview of the project and its partnerships
• Meet with and get info on many partner agencies
• Enjoy homemade cookies from the Fred Victor Women’s Bakery!

Denise Bryan, Manager of Housing, Fred Victor Centre
Keith Hambly, Vice President, Programs and Services, Fred Victor Centre

301 Clearing out the Smoke: Cannabis in Housing
Friday, October 26
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Stream: Foundations  

Feeling fuzzy about the details? Seeking clarity in the haze? Join a representative from the Legalization of Cannabis Secretariat and gain insight into:

• the regulatory framework around the legalization of cannabis
• how legalization will be implemented across Ontario
• what it all means for housing providers

Ryan Freeston, Team Lead, Counsel and Policy Director on the Ontario Legalization of Cannabis Secretariat
Michael Hackl, LLB, Iler Campbell LLP

302 Everything You Need to Know About Fundraising!
Friday, October 26
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Stream: Foundations  

How can you make sure youíre investing your time wisely to ensure you have the resources you need to sustain and grow your organization? Discover how to minimize your fundraising pain and maximize your fundraising gain. Get practical tips and strategies for:

• focusing your resources to get the best results
• working effectively on fundraising with your board and staff
• overcoming your fears, and more!

Emma Lewzey, CFRE, Blue Sky Philanthropy

303 Developing Social Housing in a Post- OMB World
Friday, October 26
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Stream: Building  

In 2018, the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) will be replaced by the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) under Bill 139 Building Better Communities and Conserving Watersheds Act, 2017. What does this mean for social housing providers pursuing development and redevelopment? Join our panel and explore what these changes mean for you, and get an understanding of:

• the basics of Bill 139
• the LPAT as a body
• the new appeals process

John Matheson, Principal, StrategyCorp (moderator)

304 Concepts and Case Studies: Energy Efficiency for Non-Profit Housing Providers
Friday, October 26
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Stream: Building  

Union Gas understands that to be green and stay in the black, non-profit housing providers need to closely monitor energy use, invest in energy efficiency and take advantage of valuable rebates and incentives. Learn how Union Gas is leveraging new technologies to help housing providers:

• make positive environmental choices
• conserve energy
• save money

Scott Clark, Marketing Specialist, Energy Conservation and Low Income Marketing, Union Gas Limited

Developing non-profit housing in a post-EOA landscape means housing providers must find alternative sources of funding. Cambridge Non-Profit Housing Corporation has built and leveraged a private sector partnership which is developing subsidized housing on prime real estate. Hear them discuss:

• finding the right collaborator
• cost-sharing between partners
• the expansion of collaborative efforts

Steve Garrison, General Manager, Cambridge Non-Profit Housing Corporation
Jeff Paikin, President, New Horizon Homes
Tim Welch, President, Tim Welch Consulting Inc.

306 Rental Assistance Programs: Keeping Tenants Housed
Friday, October 26
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Stream: Communities  

The Kehilla Residential Programme launched its private Rental Assistance Program (RAP) in 2014 to help bridge the gap between market rental rates and what lower income households can afford. The program currently serves 170 households and receives support from more than 35 private real estate developers, one large donor and a private foundation. Learn more about:

• the program's framework
• program partners
• successes in keeping people happy, healthy and housed

Nancy Singer, Executive Director, Kehilla Residential Programme
Lisa Lipowitz, Director of Community Initiatives, Property Management Supervisor, Kehilla Residential Programme
Aura Ostrowski , A client of Kehilla Residential Programme

Examine case studies to see how your peers have capitalized on building improvement programs and explore actions taken by municipalities to reinforce their housing providers' asset management. Discover:

• programs on offer through the Province and utility companies
• incentives for building improvements
• how building improvement can support your strategic asset management plan

Fariha Husain, Project Manager, Tower & Neighbourhood Revitalization, Social Development Finance and Administration (SDFA), City of Toronto
Grant Kozlik, Senior Budget & Operations Analyst, Sustainable Energy Plan Financing Program, Environment and Energy Division (EED), City of Toronto
Jim Kroesen, Department manager, Technical Services, Housing Services Corporation

In this ever-changing political and financial landscape, a strong audit committee can help guide an organization and its board of directors to excel even in times of change. Discover:

• how to implement an audit committee
• the benefits to your organization
• how it can help strengthen internal controls and facilitate decision making

Michel Collette, CPA, CMA, CIA, CGAP, CFE, Chief, Audit and Ethics, National Capital Commission

310 New Capital for a New Development Era
Friday, October 26
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Stream: Leadership Series  

Limited space available
The context for building non-profit, co-op and affordable housing in Ontario is changing rapidly. Government support will continue to be a key element in development, but project financing is becoming more complex. Gain insight into the new development reality and how you can:

• leverage social impact capital
• help mission-aligned developers get the most out of community-owned assets
• mitigate risk

Vikash Jain, VP Business Development, Vancity Community Investment Bank
Hadley Nelles, Business Manager, New Commons Development & New Market Funds
Heather Tremain, CEO, Options for Homes
Sharon Avery, President & CEO, Toronto Community Foundation, Moderator

Lawrence Heights is Toronto Community Housing's largest revitalization project, aiming to transform a 100-acre site (40.5-hectares - almost double the size of Regent Park) south of Yorkdale Shopping Centre into a vibrant mixed-income community. The plan reflects years of input from residents, neighbourhood organizations and the City of Toronto. Join Hugh Lawson, Director, Strategic Planning & Stakeholder Relations at Toronto Community Housing and Jenn St. Louis, Project Manager, City of Toronto for a 5 km run through Lawrence Heights (runners will arrive at the location by private bus). See the revitalization in action and hear about the plans for:

• replacing 1,208 Toronto Community Housing units
• building over 4,000 new private market units
• training, employment and scholarship opportunities made possible by the project
• new parks and retail space
• roads connecting Lawrence Heights to the surrounding community

Hugh Lawson, Director of Strategic Planning & Stakeholder Relations, Toronto Community Housing
Jenn St. Louis, Project Manager, City of Toronto

More than 50 per cent of carbon monoxide (CO) injuries and fatalities in Ontario occur in apartment buildings and condominiums. Join a representative from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) to learn about reducing CO-related accidents in Ontario, including:

• the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000
• the Condominium and Apartments Action Plan
• yours and your tenants’ responsibilities

Kevin Abbott, C.Tech, CFEI, Inspector - Region 1, Fuels Safety, Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA)

The Alberta Rural Development Network’s Sustainable Housing Initiative (SHI) aims to redefine how affordable housing is developed and perceived by the larger community. Learn about the initiative’s rural-focused goals, promising practices, and lessons learned including:

• minimizing risk in affordable housing development
• ensuring operational sustainability without long-term government support
• their goal to publish a guide to help organizations increase their portfolios

Joshua Bénard,Program Director, Housing, Alberta Rural Development Network

Join the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility to learn more about the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and hear about:

• The Design of Public Spaces (DOPS) standard
• How DOPS impacts the non-profit housing sector
• How accessibility standards relate to the Ontario Building Code and the RTA, 2006

Geordie Gibbon, Manager, Accessibility Outreach and Education Unit, Accessibility Directorate of Ontario

The communications landscape is changing – sending the right message is essential! Learn practical skills for becoming a more effective communicator. Walk away with tips, tools and skills to implement in your internal and external communications right away. Discover:

• your communication style
• how to best deliver your message and be heard
• the keys to being a good listener
• effective strategies for face-to-face and digital communication

Melissa DiMarco, Communications Expert

405 The Fundamentals of Good Governance
Saturday, October 27
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Stream: Foundations  

A highly effective and engaged board encourages a highly effective and engaged organization. Learn the fundamentals of good governance, including:

• defining the roles and responsibilities of board members
• differentiating between operational and governance decisions
• practices that build on the three pillars of governance: fiduciary, strategic and generative

Ty Smith, Coordinator, Education and Member Services, ONPHA

406 Housing Rights as Human Rights: What Does It Mean?
Saturday, October 27
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Stream: Communities  

With the release of the National Housing Strategy, the federal government has committed to recognizing housing rights as human rights. This is a victory, but what does it mean for providers, tenants, and the social housing sector as a whole? Learn about:

• the international context
• what the legal framework might look like in Canada
• how the Strategy could help the push for more affordable housing

Shelina Ali, Lawyer, Iler Campbell LLP
Kenn Hale, Director of Advocacy and Legal Services, Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario
Paul Dowling, Project Manager, Homecoming Community Choice Coalition

407 Supporting Regeneration and Development: A Service Manager Perspective
Saturday, October 27
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Stream: Communities  

Service Managers across Ontario are working with non-profit housing providers to maintain and expand stock. Hear representatives from the Region of Peel discuss their ten-year Housing Master Plan and what’s being done to support development and expansion, and listen to housing providers Armagh House and Indwell share:

• development updates
• lessons learned
• what they wish they had known before their current regeneration and development initiatives

Sue Ritchie, Manager, Housing Development, Regional Municipality of Peel
Jennifer McLaughlin, Manager, Housing Programs, Regional Municipality of Peel
Graham Cubitt, Director of Projects & Development, Indwell
Lynn Ward, Executive Director, Armagh

408 Leveraging the Canadian Rental Housing Index
Saturday, October 27
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Stream: Our Future  

The Canadian Rental Housing Index (CRHI) provides a detailed analysis of the affordability and suitability of rental housing for various income groups in more than 800 municipalities/regions and 338 federal electoral districts across Canada. Join ONPHA’s partner, the British Columbia Non-Profit Housing Association (BCNPHA), to learn:

• about the CRHI and what it means for Canadians
• how it is being used to build and strengthen BCNPHA’s advocacy efforts
• about the interactive online map and how it can help you

Marika Albert, Chief Executive Policy Director, BC Non-Profit Housing Association

409 Supportive Housing Community of Practice Meet-Up
Saturday, October 27
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Stream: Our Future  

Addictions and Mental Health Ontario (AMHO) and ONPHA are teaming up to co-host a special community of practice meet-up for supportive housing providers. Hear about:

• new developments in supportive housing
• expiry of operating agreements
• how the province’s proposed modernized framework may relate to supportive housing
• new funding opportunities for development

Brian Davis, Executive Director, Houselink Community Homes

410 Leveraging Faith Land for Affordable Housing Development
Saturday, October 27
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Stream: Our Future  

The Anglican Church of Canada has made affordable housing a national priority. In response, the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa (ADO) has partnered with Cahdco, Centretown Citizen Ottawa Corporation’s non-profit development corporation. Learn about their plans to:

• redevelop surplus Ottawa-area Anglican sites into affordable housing
• provide 125 new units of affordable housing by 2021
• reach their three-year goal on schedule

Peter John Hobbs, Director of Mission, Anglican Diocese of Ottawa
Graeme Hussey, Director of Housing Development, Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation

411 Creating a Data Standard for Housing: Lessons Learned from the Dutch
Saturday, October 27
10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Stream: Leadership Series  

Limited space available
Recognizing a need to improve the quality of data in housing, HACT and OSCRE, using the Dutch data standard CORA as a starting point, brought together a vanguard group of housing providers to create the United Kingdom's first shared data standard. Join Henk Korevaar of CorpoNet (the Dutch-based network that developed CORA) as he discusses:

• the basics of CORA
• the housing providers who brought the shared standard to the UK
• creating the first English version

Henk Korevaar,International Liaison, CorpoNet

501 It Pays to be Green! Preparing for Energy and Cost-Saving Opportunities
Saturday, October 27
1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Stream: Building  

Energy efficient retrofits are a hot topic in the housing sector right now. Through a Northern Ontario case study, learn how your organization and/or municipality can:

• prepare to capitalize on green initiatives
• leverage cross-sector partnerships
• develop capacity for long-term comprehensive energy retrofits

Abhilash Kantamneni, PhD Candidate, Geography, University of Guelph and Board Member, Victor Davis Non-profit Homes
Patrick Wittmann, MSC, Co-Chair, Housing Services Working Group, Northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association (NOSDA)

502 Creating New Pathways to Inclusive Housing Development
Saturday, October 27
1:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m.

Stream: Our Future  

My Home My Community is a national project that has combined finance and housing expertise, design research and community-level mobilization to leverage new resources and produce housing models for people with developmental disabilities that are affordable, safe and fully integrated in the community. Get insights on:.

• activating untapped assets
• creating and using new models
• engaging your community

Michael Bach, Director, Institute for Research and Development on Inclusion and Society
Dana Rose Granofsky, Project Director, My Home My Community

503 Supplier Selection 101: The Importance of a Sound Procurement Process
Saturday, October 27
1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Stream: Foundations  

With continued pressures from boards, funders, auditors and operating realities, it’s never been more important to manage supplier selection practices in a fair and effective manner. Learn the benefits of implementing a sound supplier selection process, including

• best practice purchasing processes
• fundamentals of an effective supplier selection process
• how and when to apply selection principles

David Rourke, Principal, Round Table Procurement Services (RTPS)

504 Planning for Success(ion)
Saturday, October 27
1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Stream: Our Organizations   |   Format: Learn

Filling the gaps left behind by successful board members and senior leaders can be a daunting task. Be proactive! Join your sector colleagues as they share tips and insights into designing succession planning strategies and processes including:

• recruitment
• selection and vetting
• orientation and training

Barbara Fawcett Retired Housing Manager, Haliburton Community Housing Corporation
Ralph Dunham Board Member, Hagerman Corners Community Homes Inc.
Catharine Vandelinde, Executive Director, Options By-Town Non-Profit Housing Corporation
Shanley Matthews, Board Chair, Options By-Town Non-Profit Housing Corporation

505 Strengthening the Sector: Partnering with Service Managers and Community Organizations
Saturday, October 27
1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Stream: Communities  

Dryden Native Friendship Centre, Kenora District Services Board, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services and the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centre built an innovative and unique partnership that brought together housing, education and support programs to lift single mothers out of permanent poverty through the provision of services in a holistic and culturally appropriate manner. Learn about the Dryden Urban Indigenous Homeward Bound initiative and hear representatives from partner organizations discuss:

• the initiative and its services
• partnership between service managers and housing providers
• successes and lessons learned

Sylvia Maracle, Executive Director, Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres
Justin Marchand,, Executive Director, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services
Henry Wall,Chief Administrative Officer, Kenora District Services Board

Are you considering building new affordable rental housing in the era of the Federal National Housing Strategy? Come prepared to ask questions in an interactive session. Get overview of where to start, how to begin your project and the importance of strategic thinking. Learn about:

• selecting your team
• obtaining board approvals
• seed funding and how to apply for it
• drafting a business case

Sarah Phillips, Project Manager and Principal Consultant, Sarah J. Phillips Consulting Inc.
Anthony Adrien, Affordable Housing Consultant, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

As the non-profit sector shifts, housing providers are reducing their dependency on grant funding and turning to social enterprise development and social infrastructure investments to achieve sustainability. Explore how Ottawa Community Housing and Ottawa Community Foundation is using social innovation to achieve organizational sustainability and growth while better meeting their community’s needs, and learn:

• the basics of social entrepreneurship
• how social innovation can benefit your organization
• what social innovation means for the future of the sector

Stéphane Giguère, CEO, Ottawa Community Housing
Marco Pagani, President and CEO, Ottawa Community Foundation

This interactive session for housing providers takes a deep dive into end of operating agreements. Hear different scenarios in an interactive workshop and dig deeply into:

Daniel Bragagnolo, Director, Commercial Mortgages, First National Financial LP
Michelle German, Senior Manager, Policy and Partnerships, Evergreen (Facilitator)

509 Voluntary Integration: Are We There Yet?
Saturday, October 27
1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Stream: Our Future  

Engage in a real-time integration journey of a unique and ground-breaking merger between a housing provider and a primary health care service from governance, operational and client perspectives. Gain an understanding of the process including:

• starting the conversation about integration
• involving partners and stakeholders
• performing due diligence and sealing the deal
• challenges and opportunities
• creating a new vision and strategic priorities

Simone Atungo, CEO, Anne Johnston Health Station, Tobias House Attendant Care
Sue Cooper, Board Chair, Anne Johnston Health Station, Tobias House Attendant Care
Rachel Esdaille, Client/Service User, Anne Johnston Health Station, Tobias House Attendant Care

510 Mixing and Matching Tools to Meet Affordable Housing Goals
Saturday, October 27
1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.

Stream: Our Future  

It’s easy to focus on shiny, new gadgets but there are many existing municipal and provincial planning tools in place and in the works that can preserve and stimulate affordable housing development. Hear real-life examples from non-profit housing providers who have furthered affordable housing goals using mixed and matched planning tools, including:

• Existing zoning designations
• local tax and finance policies
• new policies like community benefits and inclusionary zoning

Derek Ballantyne, Chair, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
LoriAnn Girvan, Chief Operating Officer, Artscape

511 An Innovative Approach to Corporate Performance Management
Saturday, October 27
1:30-3 p.m.

Stream: Leadership Series  

Limited space available
To enhance its business intelligence, Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) implemented a dynamic corporate performance management tool called Q-BIT. Join Brent Schwieg of OCH to learn more about Q-BIT’s implementation including:

• examples of the data Q-BIT provides
• OCH’s plans to use data to align corporate performance areas with strategic goals
• lessons learned while building performance measuring capacity

Brent Schwieg, Director, Performance and Quality, Ottawa Community Housing

513 An Affordable Housing Plan for Ontario
Saturday, October 27
1:30-2:30 p.m.

Stream:Our Future  

Action towards affordable housing in Ontario has never been more needed - or more possible. The Co-Operative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada) Ontario Region and ONPHA have developed a comprehensive plan to address current challenges and opportunities. Join representatives from both organizations to learn about the Plan's four key recommendations, and the vital role that government and the non-profit sector have in implementing them. Hear about the Plan’s recommendations to:

• make housing more affordable
• create new homes
• promote healthy communities over the next decade

Helen Harris, Coordinator, Policy & Research, ONPHA
Simone Swail, Manager, Government Relations, Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada (Ontario Region)

601 Disaster Planning: You Can Never Be Too Prepared
Saturday, October 27
3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Stream: Foundations  

In October 2017, a major rainfall flooded Ottawa and Gatineau forcing the Social Housing Registry of Ottawa out of their office. They took immediate action to set up temporary shop in a new location and moved back to their offices on March 1, 2018. Hear about:

• the interim period when they continued to provide services to the public
• lessons learned about being disaster-ready
• why disaster planning is crucial for an organization
• how the Registry learned to think quickly on its feet

Ishbel Solvason-Wiebe, Executive Director, The Social Housing Registry of Ottawa
Karilyn Warr, Systems Coordinator, The Social Housing Registry of Ottawa

602 Using Outdoor Space to Increase Community Engagement
Saturday, October 27
3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

Stream: Communities  

Outdoor spaces can be valuable tools for community building. See case studies from across Ontario and learn how you can capitalize on outdoor spaces to decrease social isolation in your tenant community and improve physical and mental health through green space engagement programs such as:

• tree planting
• outdoor clean ups
• nature walks
• native plant gardens
• citizen science, and more

Minaz Asani-Kanji, Manager of Outreach, Park People
Ayal Dinner, Program Manager, Park People

In response to rising pest problems in their buildings, CityHousing Hamilton decided to create a 100 per cent internally-run Integrated Pest Management program. Learn about the program, successfully launched in 2014 with staff and tenant support, and how it:

• significantly reduced the bed bug problem in multi-dwelling buildings
• improved resident quality of life
• safeguarded capital assets
• saves CityHousing over $500,000 annually

Kate Mannen, Manager of Partnership Development and Support Services, CityHousing Hamilton
Brent Peltier, Supervisor, Pest Control, CityHousing Hamilton

CMHA Ontario, Addictions and Mental Health Ontario (AMHO), and the Wellesley Institute set out to capture promising practices in supportive housing across Ontario for people with mental health and/or addiction issues. Hear about 12 case studies they documented and extraordinary work being done across the sector and learn:

• unique approaches from across Ontario
• common themes regarding supports, housing and partnerships
• tools you can use in your community

Jessica Petrillo, Policy Analyst, Addictions and Mental Health Ontario (AMHO)
Greg Suttor, Senior Researcher, Wellesley Institute

More and more, housing providers are taking on the additional role of caretaker for their tenants. Join David Munch of Finlandia Village, a housing provider serving mature adults, to learn how he established a relationship with the Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) to provide better and more comprehensive care specific to tenant needs. Walk away with strategies for:

• building rapport with your LHIN
• securing funding for projects
• preparing your organization to work effectively with government bodies

David Munch, CEO, Finlandia Village

Originating in the Netherlands, Energiesprong is a revolutionary whole house refurbishment and funding approach serving the non-profit housing sector. It sets a new standard for comfortable, super energy-efficient refurbishments. Learn about Sustainable Buildings Canada’s efforts to adapt this program for Canada and:

• the energy-efficient refurbishments available
• how the program may roll out
• benefits for the housing sector

Larry Brydon, Director, Sustainable Buildings Canada and Energiesprong Project Lead

In preparation for end of operating agreements, Brenyon Way and Ridgeford Charitable Foundations launched a strategic planning process to strengthen their organizations. As part of the plan, Ridgeford Charitable Foundation is adding 186 units to an existing site in Scarborough by early 2020. Hear about:

• the planning and development process
• challenges and successes
• lessons learned you can apply in your organization

Thomas Burns, Vice-President and Board Member, Brenyon Way Charitable Foundation and Ridgeford Charitable Foundation
Tim Welch, President, Tim Welch Consulting Inc.

Limited space available
Non-profit organizations across Ontario continually face roadblocks, barriers and hurdles to affordable housing development, despite government interest. Is there another way? Hear a panel of two affordable housing development consultants and a lawyer specializing in affordable housing to discuss:

• the strengths and weaknesses of the non-profit sector when it comes to development
• creating the necessary capacity and expertise to overcome obstacles to development
• learning to thrive in the new environment

John Fox, Solicitor, Robins Appleby LLP
Jon Harstone, Executive Director, St. Clare’s Multifaith
Nancy Singer, Executive Director, Kehilla
Margie Carlson, Executive Director, Interfaith Homes Corp. (moderator)

 

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