2016 Let's Grow Together
 


Agenda

Schedule of conference sessions


Our 2016 program features exciting new streams and session formats designed to enhance your conference experience. Sessions have been designed to cater to a variety of learning styles from lectures (Learn), case studies (Share) and hands-on, interactive sessions (Practice and Explore) to deep-dive think tanks (Imagine).

We’ve also organized this year’s programming into five streams that reflect key areas of non-profit housing management: The Basics (fundamental topics for housing professionals), Our Assets (managing your buildings and operations), Our Communities (working with tenants), Our Organizations (building staff, board and volunteer capacity) and Our Future (with a focus on housing sector modernization).

This streamlined approach to our 2016 program will ensure you can seek out the sessions most relevant to your professional development goals.

Find what sessions interest you by reviewing the sessions below. Click on the session title for detailed session descriptions. To see a full conference schedule, view our Conference at a Glance from our Registration Guide.

Sessions

Peel Living has refined their unit turnover process, reducing vacancy from three days to 24 hours. With over 700 unit turnovers a year, this has led to considerable savings and has greatly eased the transition for incoming tenants. Discover the strategies Peel Living has adopted from private sector rental companies, and walk through their turnover plan. Plus, delegates will learn the best practices for finding rent-geared-to-income (RGI) and market-rate tenants, and how to draft their own 24-hour turnover plans.

Bruno Colavecchia, Manager, Residential Operations, Peel Living
Mary Jo MacCrae, Manager, Resident Services, Peel Living

102 Evaluating your ED: How board members can develop and implement a performance appraisal process
Friday, November 4
1-2 p.m.

Stream: Our Organizations   |   Format: Learn  

A recent study by CompassPoint revealed that 45 per cent of executives do not have an annual performance review. Join the executive director and board president of Options Bytown, a small supportive housing organization, to learn how they successfully implemented a performance appraisal process with the help of volunteers. This presentation is geared towards board members and executive directors, who are welcome to share their experiences and questions with the group.

Lorraine Bentley, Executive Director, Options Bytown Non-Profit Housing Corporation
Natasha Poushinsky, President, Board of Directors, Options Bytown Non-Profit Housing Corporation

103 From boiler room to boardroom: How natural gas savings can boost your bottom line
Friday, November 4
1-2 p.m.

Stream: Our Assets   |   Format: Learn

Sound capital investments are based on a well-developed business case, and it’s a compelling business case that gets key decision makers on board. Ready to gain approval on your retrofit project? Learn how to secure buy-in with a persuasive presentation that showcases the wide range of valuable incentives, attractive ROIs, and payback scenarios that quickly make retrofit projects a priority.

Cam Black, Energy Solutions Consultant, Affordable Housing, Enbridge Gas Distribution
Derrick Finn, P.Eng, Finn Projects
Sponsored by
Enbridge Gas distribution

104 Get to know your housing programs
Friday, November 4
1-2:30 p.m.

Stream: The Basics   |   Format: Learn

New to the Ontario non-profit housing sector? This session provides the overview you need. Learn basic information about the different housing programs currently operating in Ontario, including the Housing Services Act, 2011, Section 95 and 26/27 providers, the Investment in Affordable Housing programs and more.

Margie Carlson, Deputy Executive Director, ONPHA

105 Learning from each other: RGI housing and social assistance
Friday, November 4
1- 2:30 p.m.

Stream: Our Organizations  |   Format: Learn

The eligibility rules for social assistance and RGI housing are both similar and sometimes very different. This panel discussion will provide a high-level overview of Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP); a comparison to eligibility rules for RGI housing; the impact of income on RGI and social assistance; examples of RGI tenants on OW or ODSP; and best practices for communications.

Roberta Jagoe, Policy Analyst, Region of Durham's Housing Services Division
Charlene Jardine, ODSP Manager, Ontario Disability Support Program – London
Laura Simpson, Housing Administrator, Housing and Property Services Department, Regional Municipality of Peel
Kim Verkuil, Program Manager, St. Thomas - Elgin Ontario Works
Pam Page, Coordinator, Education Services, ONPHA

106 The balancing act: Integrating refugees into the non-profit housing community
Friday, November 4
1-2:30 p.m.

Stream: Our Communities   |   Format: Learn

Finding an affordable home is difficult for many families – but it can be especially challenging for new refugees. How can we balance the housing needs of refugees and people seeking asylum with those of the rest of the population? What are the unique barriers that these groups face, and how can systems be improved to better respond to their needs? A panel of experts will address these and other questions in an interactive, lively discussion.

Douglas Bartholomew-Saunders, Commissioner, Community Services, Region of Waterloo
Mario Calla, Executive Director, COSTI Immigrant Services
Debbie Hill-Corrigan, Executive Director, Sojourn House
Debbie Douglas, Executive Director, Ontario Council of Agencies Service Immigrants (moderator)

107 Managing rapid growth within small organizations
Friday, November 4
1-2:30 p.m.

Stream: Our Future   |   Format: Learn

Both OCISO Non-Profit Housing Corporation and Multifaith Housing Initiative recently experienced large expansions in a short period that more than tripled their organizations' number of units. During this session, representatives from both organizations will discuss operations, governance and administration of small housing organizations before and during a period of rapid growth. The discussion will also touch on best practices in preparing for this period and how to mitigate potential issues before they occur.

Marie-Josée Houle, Executive Director, OCISO Non-Profit Housing Corporation
Suzanne Le, Executive Director, Multifaith Housing Initiative

Connecting tenants with community services is a common strategy for helping them to achieve successful tenancies. How housing providers are able to make those connections often depends on the human and financial resources of their organization and the community partners around them. Join us to learn how large and small organizations are working with tenants and community-based supports to help create successful tenancies. Presenters will explore different partnership approaches, talk about issues such as risk management and building trust with tenants, and share the successful outcomes their partnerships have helped create.

Angela Cooke, Vice President, Resident and Community Services​, Toronto Community Housing
Sulekha Jama, Manager, Resident Access and Support Services, Toronto Community Housing
Erin Mifflin, Manager, Housing Services, Halton Community Housing
Ron Shantz, Executive Director, Chartwell Baptist Community Homes Inc.

109 A landlord’s responsibilities under the RTA
Friday, November 4
1-2:30 p.m.

Stream: The Basics   |   Format: Practice

Get the big picture as a social housing landlord under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA). In this introductory session, participants will explore basic RTA definitions, the rights and obligations of a landlord, the exemptions from the RTA that apply to social housing, offences under the RTA, tenancy agreements and more.

Laura Clark, Lawyer, Ottawa Community Housing

110 Bus tour: Bringing it local
Friday, November 4
1:30-3:30 p.m.

Stream: Our Assets   |   Format: Explore

Can the financial and policy innovations that the City of Toronto uses to embed affordable units in market buildings be adapted to smaller markets? Is it possible to persuade local governments that affordable housing is an economic gain, not a cost? The answer to both questions is a resounding 'yes!' according to Toronto's Director of Affordable Housing, Sean Gadon. In this tour, visit several projects that demonstrate promising approaches and innovations in affordable housing and learn how Gadon developed the deals.

Sponsored by
CMHC

112 Walking tour: Homelessness ends here
Friday, November 4
1:30-4:30 p.m.

Stream: Our Communities   |   Format: Explore

Explore fifteen solutions presented in twelve downtown Toronto city blocks. During this tour, reflect on the challenges of homelessness and its solutions as we walk by Toronto’s Homes First pioneers; a shelter on the verge of a breakthrough; a TCHC turnaround; a YIMBY victory; new hope for veterans; a rare, deeply affordable housing development; the restoration of an historic hotel; and more! In addition, this tour will include a broader discussion about future housing opportunities, gentrification, activism, and the power of beauty. Please note: this tour will be travelling on sidewalks (with a brief shortcut through the Eaton Centre), all of which have curb cuts, however, there may be some uneven pavement on the route. Total distance is approximately two kms.

Joy Connelly, Consultant, Connelly Consulting Services

201 Good governance: How to effectively lead a non-profit
Friday, November 4
3-4 p.m.

Stream: The Basics   |   Format: Learn

Help lead your organization on a path to success! Join us for an introductory overview on governance best practices with a focus on the basic requirements for non-profit boards. Learn the general role of a board of directors, as it relates to strategic planning, policies and procedure and general financial management.

Isaac Coplan, Education Services Coordinator, ONPHA

202 Fire life safety: Meeting changing requirements
Friday, November 4
3-4 p.m.

Stream: Our Assets   |   Format: Learn

Fire life safety is a critical element of strong capital asset management. In this session, learn the roles of the Ontario Building Code; the Ontario Fire Code; Standards and the Authority Having Jurisdiction in the design and maintenance of fire life safety systems. Plus, hear an overview of the frequency of various inspections for all fire life safety systems including fire doors, fire safety plans and the upcoming changes to the sprinkler industry.

Rob Clark, Building Systems Coordinator, Ottawa Community Housing
Will Johnstone, Vice President Business Development, Onyx-Fire Protection Services
Peter Robinson, Director of Corporate Assets, Peterborough Housing Corporation (moderator)

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is often used to reduce the fear and incidence of opportunity crime, but a fully implemented CPTED also has the ability to influence desired behavior. Learn how Peel Youth Village used CPTED to transform a problemplagued youth shelter and community centre into a place where homeless youth want to live and community members want to play, increasing everyone’s quality of life and sense of community.

Tom McKay, Constable, Peel Regional Police
Lina Termini, Manager, Supportive Housing In Peel (SHIP), Peel Youth Village and Angela's Place

Community safety is an ongoing issue in many social housing communities. Despite concerns about safety, challenging relationships between the police and residents often limit or prevent collaboration amongst housing providers, residents and the police. In this session, discover how two housing providers created safer and more engaged communities: Ottawa Community Housing through working directly with residents, and the Housing Commission of the County of Los Angeles (HACLA) with the police. Both strategies have empowered residents to take ownership of their communities resulting in positive growth.

Nathan Hoedeman, Manager of Community Safety Services, Ottawa Community Housing
Joel Lopez, Community Safety Partnership Manager, Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles
Sergeant Stacey Vandersall, Los Angeles Police Department
Andrew Balahura, Director, Housing Services, Social and Community Services, Halton Region (moderator)

Learn how fellow housing professionals are leading change and transforming the sector! Building from recent discussions amongst sector leaders through CIH Canada (Chartered Institute of Housing) and Housing Partnership Canada, this session will explore exciting initiatives being undertaken across Canada, including scaling up, opportunities for regulatory changes and fostering entrepreneurship. Through the example of the proposed Canadian Housing Bank, this panel of thought leaders will also explore opportunities for the creation of sector-based solutions and alternative sources of funding.

Stephen Giustizia, Manager of Housing Services, City of London
Don McBain, Executive Director, Ontario Aboriginal Housing Support Services Corporation
Shayne Ramsay, CEO, BC Housing

206 A real-world look at technology in social housing
Friday, November 4
3-4:30 p.m.

Stream: Our Organizations   |   Format: Learn

What impact does technology have on an organization? Is the investment in mobile technology warranted? Engage directly with industry leaders in the social housing sector who have successfully adopted technological solutions and find out which solutions could best enhance your operations. Walk away with a greater understanding of what technologies will be available in the future to streamline your operations and empower your team.

Sponsored by
Yardi

207 Looking to the future: Updates on the Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy
Friday, November 4
3-4:30 p.m.

Stream: Our Future   |   Format: Learn

In the spring, the Province released its updated Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy (LTAHS), which proposes changes for Ontario's non-profit housing sector and commits to ending chronic homelessness by the year 2025. In this session, the Province will build on what we learned during the 2016 ONPHA Regional Meetings and share the steps they've taken to implement the Strategy, its efforts toward addressing homelessness, what the sector can expect to see in the coming year, and their vision for the future of affordable housing and homelessness in Ontario.

Janet Hope, Assistant Deputy Minister, Housing Division, Ministry of Housing

208 Aging in place: Helping senior tenants stay at home
Friday, November 4
3-4:30 p.m.

Stream: Our Communities   |   Format: Learn

Non-profit housing communities are home to a growing number of elderly residents. These senior tenants have unique challenges, and often require their own system of supports in order to successfully age in place. In this session, hear examples of successful strategies that fellow housing providers have put in place to support their senior tenants.

Steve Clay, Community Development Manager, Ottawa Community Housing
Jane Kuchma, Executive Director, Richview Baptist Foundation
William Shin, Program Director, LOFT Community Services
David Munch, Chief Executive Director, Finlandia Village (moderator)

209 An introduction to the Landlord and Tenant Board
Friday, November 4
3-4:30 p.m.

Stream: The Basics   |   Format: Practice

The Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) was established under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 (RTA) to provide information to landlords and tenants about their rights and responsibilities under the RTA, and to settle disputes. This introductory session will help participants understand the LTB's processes, rules, practice directions and interpretation guidelines; the correct forms for each type of termination of tenancy; filing an application; mediation; hearings; and orders and enforcement. Learn from a housing professional who appears regularly at the Landlord and Tenant Board.

Laura Clark, Lawyer, Ottawa Community Housing

301 Human resources: Trends and best practices
Saturday, November 5
8:30 - 10:30 AM

Stream: The Basics   |   Format: Practice

Human resources are an organization’s most important asset, yet they don’t always get the attention they deserve. Whether you are a board member, director or manager, it is important to stay ahead of the curve! Get the introductory overview you need, and explore current trends, challenges and best practices for human resource management.

Ross Dunsmore, Lawyer, Dunsmore Wearing LLP
Raymond MacKinnon, Student-at-Law, Dunsmore Wearing LLP
Reagan Ruslim, Lawyer, Dunsmore Wearing LLP

302 Advanced governance for boards
Saturday, November 5
8:30 - 10:30 a.m.

Stream: Our Organizations   |   Format: Practice

Sector modernization and social housing transformation are the new terms many providers will begin to hear in the coming years. As a non-profit housing board member, are you ready? Are you getting the right information? Are you asking the right questions? Governance expert Suzanne Gibson will guide and prepare you in this fast-paced, practical session.

Suzanne Gibson, Consultant, Suzanne Gibson & Associates

303 Head lease arrangements: Challenges and options
Saturday, November 5
8:30-10:30 a.m.

Stream: Our Organizations   |   Format: Practice

With the increase in rent supplements, many providers are turning to private sector landlords to offer affordable housing. Recently, the Landlord and Tenant Board determined that the relationship between social housing and private sector landlords is a commercial tenancy. This decision has, and will continue to have, a far reaching impact on head lease arrangements. Engage in a discussion about the decision, options for addressing it and potential next steps.

Isaac Coplan, Coordinator, Education Services, ONPHA
Doug Levitt, Founding Partner, Horlick Levitt Di Lella LLP

304 Show me the money: Finance basics for boards
Saturday, November 5
8:30-10:30 a.m.

Stream: The Basics   |   Format: Practice

With a focus on practical information, board members will have the opportunity to learn what they need to know about managing nonprofit finances, including how to read financial statements, review monthly reporting and learning to ask the right questions.

Liza Gowe, Finance, HR and Office Services Coordinator, ONPHA

305 Expect the unexpected: Working with tenants and their families
Saturday, November 5
8:30-10:30 a.m.

Stream: Our Communities   |   Format: Practice

Learn how landlords should prepare for the unexpected (e.g., death of a tenant, mental health crisis). Using case studies, this session will cover: a landlord’s role and responsibilities; best practices when working with tenants, their families and/or support agencies; the role of the Office of Public Guardian and Trustee (OPGT) and how to engage local support services.

Robert Abbatangelo, Senior Manager, Housing Services, COTA Health
Lauren Blumas, Lawyer, Iler Campbell LLP
Alice Radley, Executive Director, Physically Handicapped Adults' Rehabilitation Association (P.H.A.R.A.)
TracyAnn Bethune, Tenant Services Manager, Nipissing District Housing Corporation (moderator)

306 Re-framing complex policy issues as solvable local problems
Saturday, November 5
8:30-10:30 a.m.

Stream: Our Future   |   Format: Practice

Learn how to move the conversation about today’s complex housing challenges from treating symptoms to mobilizing real change within community systems. Using the issue of vulnerable tenants as a case study, participants in this workshop will practice problem finding and framing using a systems approach, and developing collaborative, practical opportunities and solutions that are place-based and client-centered.

Katie Ablett, Senior Consultant, SHS Consulting
Adrienne Pacini, Research and Policy Analyst, SHS Consulting
Christine Pacini, Partner, SHS Consulting

307 Removing barriers for greater accessibility
Saturday, November 5
9-10:30 a.m.

Stream: Our Communities   |   Format: Practice

Gain a greater understanding of people living with disabilities. Explore a practical understanding of accessibility barriers, physical and other, and learn how your organization can proactively remove such barriers to create a more accessible space for your tenants.

Fran Odette, Educator in social justice

The Province’s new Long-term Affordable Housing Strategy speaks to social housing modernization and a vibrant non-profit sector with a view that the non-profit/social housing sector must evolve to become more business-like and entrepreneurial. But does that mean abandoning mission in favour of profitability? Richard C. Gentry, president and CEO of the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC), would say “absolutely not” and that both need to co-exist. The challenge is selectively and effectively adapting the practices of the private sector to achieve social objectives. Come to this key session to find out how Gentry has helped to transform a public housing authority into a dynamic progressive agency by optimizing the use of public assets and subsidy to expand and improve housing outcomes for San Diego’s needy families.

Richard C. Gentry, President and CEO, San Diego Housing Commission
Sharad Kerur, Executive Director, ONPHA

309 How to provide individual choice in supportive housing
Saturday, November 5
9-10:30 a.m.

Stream: Our Future   |   Format: Learn

Individual choice and control of support received are increasingly common themes in Ontario social policy. But how can we offer applicants choice in what they receive? Building on delegate feedback from the 2015 ONPHA Conference, the Toronto Mental Health and Addictions Supportive Housing Network has developed a model that will allow applicants to choose the types of housing assistance and support they need and connect them with these services. Learn how this model was developed and the difference it can make to supportive housing.

Rochelle Goldman-Brown, Executive Director, Chai-Tikvah Foundation
Leslie McDonald, Executive Director, Habitat Services
Noel Simpson, Executive Director, Regeneration Community Services
Jean Stevenson, Executive Director, Madison Community Services
Brigitte Witkowski, Executive Director, Mainstay Housing

310 Green energy efficiency and new technologies in non-profit housing
Saturday, November 5
9-10:30 a.m.

Stream: Our Assets   |   Format: Learn

Non-profit housing providers are increasingly pursuing green energy options for their buildings and introducing retrofits to reduce energy consumption levels. While reducing costs and benefitting the environment, these efforts also demonstrate how non-profit housing can be innovative and lead social change. Hear from three housing organizations about the investments they have made in energy efficiency and green design, and how the results have paid off.

Lisa Ker, Executive Director, Ottawa Salus
Michael Ranger, Project Manager, Asset Management, Ottawa Community Housing
Jim Steele, CEO, Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation

311 Reviews of decisions under the HSA
Saturday, November 5
9-10:30 a.m.

Stream: Our Future   |   Format: Learn

Service managers are required to set up a system under the Housing Services Act, 2011 to handle reviews of RGI-related decisions. Join a panel of service managers (large and small) from across the province to learn about their local review/ appeal process, what shaped their system, trends or patterns in requests and how the system may evolve in the future.

Carol Barber, Programs Manager, Housing Services, Cochrane District Social Services Administration Board (CDSSAB)
Paul Chisholm, Project Director, Access to Housing, City of Toronto
Lisa Goodfellow, Senior Program Administrator, Social and Affordable Housing Unit, City of Ottawa
Roberta Jagoe, Policy Analyst, Region of Durham's Housing Services Division
Pam Page, Coordinator, Education Services (moderator)

312 Aboriginal housing planning session
Saturday, November 5
9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Stream: Our Communities   |   Format: Imagine

Join ONPHA’s Urban Aboriginal Housing Advisory Committee for our annual interactive session on Aboriginal housing in Canada. We will begin with a smudge and a blessing. We will then welcome Crystal Basi, Executive Director of the Toronto Aboriginal Support Services Council (TASSC). Ms. Basi will share some remarks focusing on housing strategies for Toronto's Indigenous communities. The conveners will also share an update on the Indigenous housing strategy and will discuss priorities for Aboriginal providers in the context of the LTAHS. There will be an opportunity for collaboration and round-the-room discussion.

313 Bus tour: City building at Regent Park
Saturday, November 5
10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Stream: Our Communities   |   Format: Explore

Tour the Regent Park community with Daniels' Corporation Vice President of Development, Remo Agostino, and leaders from Toronto Community Housing's development team. With nine active construction sites, 2016 will be the biggest year yet in the transformation of Regent Park. See the stunning Daniels Spectrum, the Regent Park Aquatic Centre, as well as social housing and market projects. Learn about the strategy for building community and the roles played by retail, destination venues, good roads and lighting.

Sponsored by
CMHC

314 Running Tour: Social housing at the Harbourfront
Saturday, November 5
8:30-10:20 a.m.

Stream: Our Communities   |   Format: Explore

Take an early morning run and explore social housing in Toronto's vibrant Harbourfront neighbourhood. First, run through Alexandra Park to see how the revitalization is progressing. Next, head south to check out a new Toronto Community Housing building located in the Railway Lands, and to explore a few other social housing providers, along with some City of Toronto operated services, including an innovative homelessness solution at Fort York Residence. This tour will finish off back at the Sheraton Centre Toronto. Total distance 7.1 km.

Jenn St. Louis, Social Housing Consultant, City of Toronto
Hugh Lawson, Director, Strategic Planning and Stakeholder Relations, Toronto Community Housing

401 Moving past stigma: Creating supportive environments for tenants with mental health issues
Saturday, November 5
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Stream: Our Organizations   |   Format: Learn

Meeting the different support needs of your tenants requires different approaches. This session will explore the realities of living with mental health challenges, and what this means for both tenants and housing providers. Learn best practices and strategies for building supportive environments for tenants experiencing mental health challenges. Also, work through realistic tenant scenarios to build your skills, understanding and confidence in meeting tenants’ needs.

Carol Majors, Property Service Manager, Supportive Housing in Peel (SHIP)
Shereen Rampersad, Central Intake Manager, Supportive Housing in Peel (SHIP)

402 A beginner’s guide to pest management
Saturday, November 5
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Stream: The Basics   |   Format: Learn

Are you implementing a new pest management program? Do you need a refresher on the basics of integrated pest management? Gain knowledge from an industry veteran and start your organization down the path to a sustainable strategy for dealing with those invasive critters.

Richard Grotsch, Manager, Integrated Pest Management, Toronto Community Housing

403 Concepts and case studies: Energy efficiency for non-profit housing providers
Saturday, November 5
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Stream: Our Assets   |   Format: Learn

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. They are committed to helping housing providers make positive environmental choices, conserve energy and save money. This session will identify new opportunities, showcase success stories and discuss new technologies.

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

Sponsored by
Union Gas width=

404 Finance: The top 10 internal controls
Saturday, November 5
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Stream: Our Organizations   |   Format: Learn

Learn what to look for in your accounting department! This advanced finance session for boards of directors will outline the top 10 financial reporting and internal controls that can benefit non-profit housing providers.

Derek Stevens, Steve Kirkham C.A. Professional Corporation

Be proactive with your building renovations! Accessibility is more than just being “up to code.” Inclusive design is your way to future-proof your properties and ensure it not only meets legislative requirements, but also improves tenant experience and reduces costs over the long term. Join Adaptability Canada as they explore why incorporating an inclusive design strategy within your general renovation plans promises long-term savings and increased tenant satisfaction.

Jeff Wilson, Founder and CEO, Adaptability Canada

Limited new affordable rental housing has led many communities to develop rent supplement programs to meet the growing demand for housing assistance. But is this the best use of scarce resources? The Region of Peel has purchased resale condominiums as an affordable way to increase housing supply and provide immediate relief to applicants. Discover why the Region developed this strategy, how they’re managing these new scattered units and what lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Brett Barnes, Advisor, Housing System and Development, Region of Peel
Sue Ritchie, Manager, Human Services, Region of Peel
Laura Tribble, Specialist, Housing and Property Services Department, Region of Peel

The relationship between housing and health is well known, but the provincial health and housing systems don’t always work well together to achieve successful outcomes. To improve this dynamic, the North East Local Health Integration Network (North East LHIN), one of the largest in Ontario, has consulted health and housing stakeholders, the community sector and northerners to develop an innovative health and housing strategy for northeastern Ontario. Learn more about the strategy, how it was developed and the milestones that the North East LHIN wants to achieve by 2019.

Last year, Ottawa Community Housing (OCH) engaged over 1,000 volunteers to complete maintenance and beautification projects in many of their 160 communities. Volunteers are a much valued ingredient in OCH’s formula for creating vibrant communities where people want to live, work and play, and they have valuable skills and resources that can be accessed by housing providers of all sizes. By understanding what motivates volunteers and aligning with the needs of your communities, you can create a win-winwin for your organization!

Angela Begin, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, Ottawa Community Housing

409 Breaking the cycle: Helping women succeed in community housing
Saturday, November 5
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Stream: Our Communities   |   Format: Practice

Women experiencing homelessness and complex addiction issues face tremendous challenges in accessing and maintaining stable housing. They often have frequent contact with the criminal justice system, face removal of their children and are considered frequent users of high-cost emergency services. Mainstay Housing runs a program to assist women with accessing quality affordable housing, integrated housing and clinical supports, and a rich basket of services to help them achieve stable housing and an improved quality of life. After three years, the program resulted in 75 per cent of women continuously housed in the same place, 85 per cent reduction in unplanned emergency department visits, 100 per cent of women linked to primary care and 50 per cent reduction in social isolation. Learn how Mainstay implemented this program and achieved such high success.

Sarah Durant, Supportive Housing Worker, Mainstay Housing
Katherine Salinas, Manager, Tenant and Member Services, Mainstay Housing

410 End of operating agreements: How to prepare and evolve
Saturday, November 5
11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Stream: The Basics   |   Format: Practice

The end of operating agreements (EOAs) presents both challenges and opportunities for non-profit housing providers. Are you EOA ready? Explore the basics of planning and learn how to best prepare for your organization’s EOA.

Gabriel Lawrence, Finance Manager, Ecuhome Corporation

501 Partnerships, shared-services and collaborations
Saturday, November 5
1:30-2:30 p.m.

Stream: Our Organizations   |   Format: Learn

In order to operate sustainably for the long term, non-profit housing providers need to think creatively. Over the last couple of years, East Kiwanis Non-Profit Homes and Victoria Park Community Homes have worked together on a number of initiatives with great success. Join them as they discuss the benefits of strategic partnerships and shared services, and their experience of working successfully together.

Lori-Anne Gagne, Executive Director, Victoria Park Community Homes
Brian Sibley, Executive Director, East Kiwanis Non-Profit Homes

502 Housing Services Act 101
Saturday, November 5
1:30-2:30 p.m.

Stream: The Basics   |   Format: Learn

The purpose of the Housing Services Act, 2011 is to provide for more flexible, community-based planning and delivery of housing and homelessness services, and it governs most affordable housing in Ontario. Join us for an introduction to the Act, what it covers and how it applies to you.

Susan Wilkin, Manager, Rent Supplement, Regional Municipality of Peel

503 Tendering: Tips and best practices
Saturday, November 5
1:30-2:30 p.m.

Stream: Our Assets   |   Format: Learn

Having a good tendering process in place ensures you get the best goods and services at the right time at the most favorable prices, while maintaining open, ethical and transparent processes. Learn current best practices for tendering in your work and have the opportunity to ask questions to ensure your process is as effective as possible.

504 How to support challenging tenants
Saturday, November 5
1:30-2:30 p.m.

Stream: The Basics   |   Format: Learn

In addition to their core mandate of providing affordable housing, today's non-profit housing landlords are often faced with the need to create a support network for tenants with complex barriers to maintaining a successful tenancy. These tenants may be fighting addiction, navigating the mental health systems, and/or engaging in dangerous or anti-social behaviours such as stealing, lying or hoarding. Join Rainy River District Women’s Shelter of Hope to learn practical tips on how to effectively work with and support challenging tenants.

Susan Hanson, Transitional Housing and Support Worker, Rainy River District Women's Shelter of Hope
Donna Kroocmo, Executive Director, Rainy River District Women's Shelter of Hope
Bev O'Flaherty, Maintenance, Rainy River District Women's Shelter of Hope

505 Are you developing affordable housing? Learn the A-Zs with CMHC
Saturday, November 5
1:30-2:30 p.m.

Stream: Our Organizations   |   Format: Learn

Hear the latest information from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) about their Affordable Housing programs and learn how they can help take your affordable housing project from a vision to reality, including how to access funding to help cover the soft costs necessary to get you there. Also, gain knowledge and information about new CMHC studies and research material that includes: aging in place; accessible and adaptable designs; and passive housing design concepts. You won't want to miss this session!

Janet Sikiric, Consultant, Affordable Housing Centre, CMHC
Jamie Shipley, Consultant, Knowledge Transfer and Outreach, CMHC Ontario Region

Sponsored by
CMHC

Federal providers are facing end of operating agreements, provincial reformed providers have upcoming end of mortgages, but Local Housing Corporations (LHC), who are the former provincial local housing authorities, face an end as well – the end of debentures. Learn what this means and how an LHC, another form of a community-based non-profit, is coping and evolving in a new world of housing administration and funding.

Darlene Cook, General Manager and CEO, Peterborough Housing Corporation
Jim Steele, CEO, Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation

The Hansen Development is a community-based housing initiative located in Brampton, owned by Supportive Housing In Peel (SHIP). It is a 205-unit, affordable housing tower built above two floors of retail and commercial space conceptualized and developed through collaboration between SHIP and the Region of Peel. Join these organizations as they discuss how teamwork contributed to the success of this project, how the model can be replicated, and the challenges and opportunities it has created within the community.

Laurie Ridler, Chief Executive Officer, Supportive Housing In Peel (SHIP)
Sue Ritchie, Manager, Human Services, Region of Peel
Keith Ward, Vice Chair, Board of Directors, Supportive Housing In Peel (SHIP)

Minimum rents are a contentious topic in the social housing sector. While minimum rents help to keep housing affordable, there is some concern that they may act as a disincentive for tenants to find work. Keen to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty and promote economic independence, the San Diego Housing Commission (SDHC) increased its minimum rents and, simultaneously, extended employment supports to tenants. Learn more about the initiative, the outcomes that it’s generated for both the Commission and tenants, and lessons learned.

Stephanie Murphy, Director of Workforce and Economic Development, SDHC Achievement Academy
Azucena Valladolid, Vice President, Rental Assistance Division, SDHC
Guy Arseneau, Vice President, Tenant Services, Ottawa Community Housing (moderator)

509 Planning for the future of permanent supportive housing
Saturday, November 5
1:30-4:30 p.m.

Stream: Our Future   |   Format: Imagine

Permanent supportive housing ensures that many vulnerable Ontarians have the support they need to achieve stable, successful tenancies. It also straddles three Provincial priority areas – health, housing and homelessness – all of which are in flux. Join fellow delegates and local and provincial stakeholders for a discussion about the future of Ontario’s permanent supportive housing sector and help ONPHA identify priority areas for action in 2017.

John Wilson, Manager, Strategy and Advocacy, ONPHA (moderator)

510 The new non-profit
Saturday, November 5
1:30-2:30 p.m.

Stream: Our Organizations   |   Format: Learn

The housing sector is facing old challenges and new opportunities. The last year has brought significant change to the context within which housing providers are operating. The federal government is back in the housing business, the Province has published its Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy and municipalities have new powers such as inclusionary zoning. In Toronto, there are also potential changes in how the current Toronto Community Housing stock is dealt with. At the centre of it all is the non-profit provider: does non-profit mean non-entrepreneurial? Can non-profits grow bigger and still deliver? How can that be financed? Is some debt better than other debt? This panel will discuss the context of these changes, what non-profits can expect from lenders, and provide examples of innovative approaches to financing and development.

Daniel Bragagnolo, Manager, Commercial Mortgages, First National Financial LP
John Fox, Solicitor, Robins Appleby LLP
LoriAnn Girvan, COO, Artscape Inc.

601 Unit inspections: How, when and why?
Saturday, November 5
3-4 p.m.

Stream: The Basics   |   Format: Learn

Unit inspections are important for preventative maintenance and to ensure that your tenants are following their leases. Learn the rules around inspections, how to conduct them effectively and what to do with the information you collect.

Emma Lander, Coordinator, Member Services, ONPHA

602 Creating a road map to affordable housing development
Saturday, November 5
3-4 p.m.

Stream: Our Assets   |   Format: Learn

Are you interested in developing new affordable housing units? The City of Peterborough’s Road Map for Housing Developers was created as a step-by-step guide to assist inexperienced property owners in developing multi-unit residential properties, including creating a business plan, various methods and style of design/construction, the process and phases of work, funding sources and more. Discover how Peterborough’s Road Map can help drive the creation of more affordable housing in your community.

Craig J. Adams, C.E.T., rcsi, Capital Planning Analyst, City of Peterborough
Katherine Blackwood, CertCIH(Can), AIHM, Property Management, Kawartha Participations Projects

603 Lining up the ducks: Energy, occupant satisfaction and environmental performance in affordable multi-unit residential buildings
Saturday, November 5
3-4 p.m.

Stream: Our Assets   |   Format: Learn

This presentation will introduce the concept and benefits of Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) as applied to affordable housing projects implementing low-energy and sustainable design features. Hear firsthand experience from a housing provider that has recently completed a POE on a new affordable housing multi-unit residential building (MURB), and learn how POE help you make informed design improvements and benefit your organization.

Presenter:
Dawnmarie Harriott and Brigette Lepointe, Voices from the Street

604 Financial dashboards and ratios
Saturday, November 5
3-4:30 p.m.

Stream: Our Organizations   |   Format: Learn

Do you know how well your non-profit is doing financially? Your organization’s financial statements are a treasure trove of valuable data. But what’s the best way to get at it? Dashboards (graphical displays) and financial ratios are clear and concise, financial reporting tools that both small and large organizations can use to analyze their key information. Non-profit staff and boards will find this session invaluable as a way to evaluate operating and financial performance.

Ven Giannantonio, Director of Finance, Ottawa Community Housing
Liza Gowe, Finance, HR and Office Services Coordinator, ONPHA

605 Securing the future: Investing fundamentals for housing providers
Saturday, November 5
3-4:30 p.m.

Stream: Our Assets   |   Format: Learn

Effective management of capital and other reserves is more important than ever. Housing providers have access to limited new financial resources, and it is critical that financial staff and board members are equipped with the knowledge needed to make sound investments. This session is designed to provide an overview of investment concepts, including the different types of securities, asset classes and investment funds, as well as provide a better understanding of investment approaches, risk and volatility.

Derek Ballantyne, Chief Executive Officer, Encasa Financial Inc.
John Osmond, Manager, Client Services, Encasa Financial

606 Hoarding: A holistic approach
Saturday, November 5
3-4:30 p.m.

Stream: The Basics   |   Format: Learn

Hoarding is one of the most complicated challenges faced by housing providers and their tenants. Learn how to develop strategies for intervention and support from an experienced panel including a mental health worker, a housing provider and the fire department.

Heather Brown, Executive Director, Toronto Cat Rescue
Richard Grotsch, Manager, Integrated Pest Management
James Hind, Fire Inspector, City of London Fire Department
Megan Phillips, Owner, Program Coordinator and Counsellor, Integrated Hoarding Response

607 Connecting vulnerable tenants with the right care
Saturday, November 5
3-4:30 p.m.

Stream: Our Future   |   Format: Learn

Where does an aging tenant with serious mental health challenges and active addictions go when they are no longer able to live independently? What support and housing options are available in a healthcare system that's already overburdened by demographic and cost pressures? Finding suitable long-term care or other high-support housing options for vulnerable residents who are aging-in-place and unable to live independently is a growing challenge for many organizations and communities. Join the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MoHLTC) and Community Support Service (CSS) funded agencies in the Toronto Central Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), and hear about collaborative solutions that will help tenants find the right mix of housing and support.

608 Deciding the future of our assets
Saturday, November 5
3-4:30 p.m.

Stream: Our Assets   |   Format: Learn

The housing stock that providers operate today may not be what their community needs tomorrow. Aging assets new health, safety, and accessibility requirements and emerging tenant needs leave many boards, owners and property managers grappling with the decision to sell or reinvest in their assets. The Peterborough Housing Corporation (PHC) has developed the Capital Finance and Community Revitalization Plan that examines their entire housing portfolio, looking forward ten years into the future. Discover PHC's process, best practices and the lessons learned that you can incorporate in your capital planning.

Darlene Cook, General Manager and CEO, Peterborough Housing Corporation
Peter Robinson, Director of Corporate Assets, Peterborough Housing Corporation

For over 15 years, ONPHA has recognized leadership talents amongst its members through the Sybil Frenette Outstanding Leadership Award. Join recent award winners and sector leaders as they discuss how the non-profit housing sector has evolved over the years, and explore what qualities the next generation of leaders need to promote a healthy non-profit housing future.

Lorraine Bentley, Executive Director, Options Bytown Non-Profit Housing Corporation
Angie Hains, Executive Director, Ecuhome Corporation
Brian F. C. Smith, President and CEO, WoodGreen Community Housing
Sharad Kerur, Executive Director, ONPHA (moderator)

610 Understanding legal capacity and consent
Saturday, November 5
3-4:30 p.m.

Stream: Our Communities   |   Type: Practice

How should housing providers work with vulnerable tenants that may refuse services, or are unable to consent? How is mental capacity assessed, and what should a provider do if a tenant’s capacity is compromised? Explore these issues, learn the legal codes governing capacity and consent, and gain practical strategies for working with tenants with complex vulnerabilities.

Judith Wahl, LL.B., Executive Director, Advocacy Centre for the Elderly

611 Building sector competencies: Now and into the future
Saturday, November 5
3-4:30 p.m.

Stream: Our Future   |   Format: Practice

As social housing in Ontario continues to work within a rapidly changing environment, it is important to ensure that new generations of board members and staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills to succeed. ONPHA’s current research project is working to define non-profit housing standards and sector competencies, which are the skills, knowledge and attributes required to work within the non-profit housing sector now and into the future. This workshop will further develop this research, providing you with the opportunity to discuss in small groups and understand how it applies to your work.

Michelle Coombs, Manager, Member Services, ONPHA
Isaac Coplan, Education Services Coordinator, ONPHA