North at Home: Understanding Housing Conditions in Northern Ontario

PDF - Report

This Research Insight was conducted to better understand the challenges and opportunities for affordable housing in Northern Ontario.

Some of the challenges affecting affordable housing stock in the region are:

Vast landscapes
Low population density
Sever weather conditions

In recognition of these challenges, Northern Housing is a priority area under the National Housing Strategy.

Author:: CMHC
Document Type:: PDF
Date Published:: September 28, 2021

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Overview of the research

CMHC provided funding for a two-day housing forum, “North at Home,” which informed the development of the North at Home report.

The Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario and Advocacy North brought together stakeholders to discuss housing experiences and the rental housing supply crisis.

The most pressing concerns for the housing sector in the region are:

Limited new housing supply
Lack of affordable rental housing
Poor condition of the existing housing stock
High energy costs
Lack of adequate housing for the growing senior population
Growing prevalence of homelessness
Limited supportive housing

The following priorities were outlined as potential approaches to addressing the rental housing crisis in Northern Ontario:

Retaining current stock
Conversion of vacant buildings
Support for non-profit housing
Partnerships and coordination of services
Eviction prevention

Implications for the housing industry

This project demonstrates the importance of a good understanding of and careful planning for unique Northern challenges and needs.

The research highlights the critical need for:

Durable and energy-efficient building stock requiring minimum repairs and maintenance
Not-for-profit developers to address the affordable supply issue
Housing solutions that account for specific needs of vulnerable groups such as seniors and Indigenous youth

The knowledge and experiences of stakeholders are key to creating effective programs and initiatives. This includes Indigenous non-profit housing providers and local service providers.

This report is part of the Research Insight series, under research priority area Housing needs and conditions.