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
101 Mind the vacancy gap:
Peel Living’s 24-hour unit turnover
Friday, November 4
1-2 p.m.
Stream: Our Assets | Format:
Share
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
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
108 Making connections, strengthening
tenancies: Creating partnerships
for success
Friday, November 4
1-2:30 p.m.
Stream: Our Communities |
Format: Share
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
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)
203 Designing for transformational change
Friday, November 4
3-4 p.m.
Stream: Our Assets |
Format: Share
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
204 Rebuilding trust within
troubled communities
Friday, November 4
3-4:30 p.m.
Stream: Our Organizations | Format: Share
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)
205 Positioning the sector to transform
one-time funding into permanent
housing solutions
Friday, November 4
3-4:30 p.m.
Stream: Our Future |
Format: Share
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
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
308 Adapting
entrepreneurial models in public housing
Saturday, November 5
9-10:30 a.m.
Stream: Our Future |
Format: Share
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
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
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
405 Future proofing your housing
for accessibility
Saturday, November 5
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Stream: Our Assets
| Format: Share
Intermediate
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
406 Get new stock now!
Saturday, November 5
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Stream: Our Future | Format: Share
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
407 Healthy housing, healthy people
Saturday, November 5
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Stream: Our Future | Format: Share
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.
408 Engaging volunteers:
Creating a win-win-win
Saturday, November 5
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Stream: Our Organizations
| Format: Share
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
506 End of debentures: Preparing for the
new world
Saturday, November 5
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Stream: Our Future | Format:
Share
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
507 The Hansen affordable housing
development journey
Saturday, November 5
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Stream: Our Assets
| Format: Share
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)
508 Promoting economic independence
through increased minimum rents
Saturday, November 5
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Stream: Our Future | Format: Share
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
609 Leading non-profit housing
into the future
Saturday, November 5
3-4:30 p.m.
Stream: Our Organizations | Format: Share
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