The National Housing Strategy Glossary of Common Terms

Knowing the terms and definitions used in the strategy

The Glossary is provided for information purposes only. In all cases, terms and conditions of the program and related agreements entered into by the parties in connection with the NHS will prevail. In addition, the Glossary should be considered an evergreen document that will be subject to revisions as required.

Term	Definition
Accessibility (Housing) (See Universal Design and Visitability)	Accessibility refers to the manner in which housing is designed, constructed or modified (such as through repair/ renovation/ renewal or modification of a home), to enable independent living for persons with diverse abilities. Accessibility is achieved through design, but also by adding features that make a home more accessible, such as modified cabinetry, furniture, space, shelves and cupboards, or even electronic devices that improve the overall ability to function in a home.
Affordability/Affordable Housing	In Canada, housing is considered “affordable” if it costs less than 30% of a household’s before-tax income. Many people think the term “affordable housing” refers only to rental housing that is subsidized by the government. In reality, it’s a very broad term that can include housing provided by the private, public and non-profit sectors. It also includes all forms of housing tenure: rental, ownership and co-operative ownership, as well as temporary and permanent housing.
Applicant (See Proponent)	A proponent who submits an application for a program or initiative under the National Housing Strategy.
Borrower Analysis	The process of assessing the financial capacity and competence of a potential borrower, using established CMHC criteria.
Co-investor	Refers to project collaborators, other than the applicant, who provide monetary or in-kind support to a project.
Collaboration	Collaboration is two or more people/organizations working together toward shared goals.
Community Housing	The term “community housing” is an umbrella term that typically refers to either housing that is owned and operated by non-profit housing societies and housing co-operatives, or housing owned by provincial, territorial or municipal governments.
Core Housing Need	A household is in core housing need if its housing does not meet one or more of the adequacy, suitability or affordability standards and it would have to spend 30% or more of its before-tax income to pay the median rent (including utility costs) of alternative local market housing that meets all three standards: Acceptable housing Housing that is adequate in condition, suitable in size, and affordable. Adequate Housing Does not require any major repairs, according to residents. Major repairs include those to defective plumbing or electrical wiring, or structural repairs to walls, floors or ceilings. Suitable Suitable housing has enough bedrooms for the size and make-up of resident households, according to guidelines outlined in National Occupancy Standard (NOS). For example, enough bedrooms based on NOS means one bedroom for each cohabiting adult couple, one for unattached household member 18 years of age and over and one for each same-sex pair of children under age 18. A household of one individual can occupy a bachelor unit (i.e. a unit with no bedroom).
Eligible Borrower	A Canadian registered business or organization, municipality or Province or Territory with the intent to build or repair housing projects in Canada.
Emergency Housing (Shelter)	Emergency Housing is defined as facilities providing temporary, short-term accommodation for homeless individuals and families. This may or may not include other services such as food, clothing or counselling. Emergency housing is short-term accommodation for people who are homeless or in crisis. Shelters and hostels are two common examples of emergency housing. There may also be smaller religious or community-based organizations that provide emergency housing.
Gender-Based Analysis+ (GBA+)	GBA+ is an analytical process used to assess how diverse groups of women, men and non-binary people experience policies, programs and initiatives. The “plus” acknowledges that GBA+ goes beyond biological (sex) and socio-cultural (gender) differences. It considers many other intersecting identity factors, like race, ethnicity, religion, age, and mental or physical disability.
Homeless	The situation of an individual or family that does not have a permanent address or residence; the living situation of an individual or family who does not have stable, permanent, appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect, means and ability of acquiring it. It is often the result of what are known as systemic or societal barriers, including a lack of affordable and appropriate housing, the individual/household’s financial, mental, cognitive, behavioural or physical challenges, and/or racism and discrimination.
Homelessness	Homelessness describes the situation of an individual, family or community without stable, safe, permanent, appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect, means and ability of acquiring it. It is often the result of what is known as systemic or societal barriers, including a lack of affordable and appropriate housing, the individual/household’s financial, mental, cognitive, behavioural or physical challenges, and/or racism and discrimination.
Chronically Homeless/ Chronic Homelessness	Refers to individuals, often with disabling conditions (e.g. chronic physical or mental illness, substance abuse problems), who are currently homeless and have been homeless for six months or more in the past year (i.e. have spent more than 180 cumulative nights in a shelter or place not fit for human habitation).
Housing Below Standard(s)	Refers to housing that falls short of at least one of the adequacy, affordability and suitability housing standards. The total number of households below housing standards will not be the sum of the number below the individual standards since some households are below two or more housing standards.
Housing Continuum	The ‘housing continuum’ is a concept used to describe the broad range of housing options available to help a range of households in different tenures to access affordable and appropriate housing. The concept enables to move away from a one-size-fits-all strategy, towards ‘the range of housing options available to different households on a continuum.’ The housing continuum includes homelessness, shelters and transitional housing, community housing, affordable rental, market rental, and homeownership.
Independence / Independent living	Access to living arrangements and community features for disabled people, individuals with special needs, and/or diverse abilities, seniors and others that provides individuals with as much independence and autonomy as possible at home, work, school or in social and recreational settings.
Innovation	Executing a new problem-solving offering; such as a process, product, service or idea; which addresses a specific challenge and achieves value for both the service provider and those receiving the service.
Lived Experience / Expertise	Expertise and knowledge possessed by those who have had direct, first-hand experience of housing need or homelessness.
Low-resourced individuals	Low-resourced individuals are those experiencing marginalisation or are hard to reach, such as those who are: homeless or near homeless; living with a physical or mental disability; newcomers or English language learners; providing caregiving; lacking access to family and social supports; living with a low income or are financially challenged with limited disposable income, and have limited access to financial resources.
Mixed Income Housing	Mixed-income housing is any type of housing development (rent or owned) that includes a range of income levels among its residents, including low, moderate and/or higher incomes.
Mixed-Use Development	Mixed-use development is the development of land or in a building with two or more different uses, such as residential, office and retail. Mixed‐use can occur vertically within a building, or horizontally on a site.
The North – for the purposes of research	For the purposes of NHS research, demonstration and innovation programs, the North can be defined as the three territories and the northern extent of seven provinces. This includes portions of the following provinces defined by Statistics Canada codes: Newfoundland and Labrador (10), Québec (24), Ontario (35), Manitoba (46), Saskatchewan (47), Alberta (48) and British Columbia (59).
The North (for the purposes of funding housing)	For the purposes of repairing, renewing or building new housing as it relates to NHS funding programs, the North is defined as the territorial governments of Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
On-site Support	On-site support refers to services offered to occupants on the premises in order to maintain their optimal level of health and well-being. These services may take a variety of forms and may vary in intensity based on people’s needs. Examples of support services include: case management, counselling, supervision/monitoring, assistance with medication, psychosocial rehabilitation, child care, meal services, personal care, housekeeping, and other forms of support that help people to live independently and remain stably housed.
Partners/Partnerships	Refers to the parties, other than the applicant, who provide monetary or in-kind support to a project. Please refer to the program guidelines available at www.cmhc.ca/nhs for program-specific requirements
Population Centre	According to Statistics Canada, a population centre is defined as an area with a population of at least 1,000 and a density of 400 or more people per square kilometre.
Program of Research	Research over a period of time, on a particular topic or issue that includes multiple research projects, and that is shaped by broad objectives for the advancement of knowledge to a particular area of research. It might be undertaken primarily by one investigator or it could mobilize a team of researchers during a specific period. In pursuit of the overall objectives, specific approaches and methods are advanced, adopted and modified as the research proceeds and as findings are made and reported.
Proponent	An individual or entity who will carry out a project that is funded through NHS programs (See applicant).

Energy efficiency and related terms
Term	Definition
Energy Use or Consumption (Building)	The total operational (space conditioning, domestic hot water, lighting, plug loads, appliances and other equipment) energy use of a building – typically over a one year period measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or Gigajoules (GJ). In other words, how much energy a building uses/relies on, in order to function at any given time. This would include energy used to provide heat, water, light, electricity, air circulation, air conditioning, etc.
Energy Use Intensity (Building)	EUI is expressed as energy used in a building per square meter per year. It is calculated by dividing the total energy consumed by the building in one year (measured in kWh or GJ) by the total gross floor area of the building. EUI is the way a building’s energy performance is measured (i.e. how well or poor it functions from an energy efficiency point of view). In other words, it is the way to measure how much energy a particular building uses over the course of a year, and measured by dividing that number by how much floor space that building has. This is also measured in (kWh) or (GJ).
Energy Efficiency	Energy efficiency means using energy more effectively, and often refers to some form of change in technology. Energy efficiency measures differences in how much energy is used to provide the same level of comfort, performance or convenience by the same type of product or building.
Environmental Efficiency (See Greenhouse Gas)	Environmental efficiency in relation to the NHS can be defined as the improvements in the measurement of energy efficiency combined with reductions in greenhouse gas emissions as a result of energy efficiency measures applied to the building.
Greenhouse gas emissions (housing-related)	Gases – primarily carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases are emitted by the combustion of fossil fuels such as diesel, oil, or natural gas, to supply heat and electricity to buildings.
*The National Building Code of Canada* 2020 (NBC)**	The NBC 2020 sets out technical requirements for the design and construction of new buildings, as well as the alteration, change of use and demolition of existing buildings. It is published by the National Research Council of Canada, and developed by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes. Over 280 technical changes have been incorporated in this new edition, improving the level of safety, health, accessibility, fire and structural protection, and energy efficiency provided by the Code, and expanding the NBC into new areas.
*The National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 2020* (NECB)**	The NECB 2020 sets out technical requirements for the energy-efficient design and construction of new buildings and additions. It is published by the National Research Council Canada (NRC), and developed by the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes in collaboration with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan). Several technical changes have been incorporated in this new edition, improving the level of energy efficiency provided by the Code and expanding compliance options.
Evidence of Community Need	Demonstrating the gap between what a particular community is experiencing, as it relates to lack of (affordable) housing supply, and what it could / should be, in relation to social or affordable housing demand.
Deep energy retrofit	An extensive, holistic overhaul of an existing building’s envelop and systems which lead to significant improvements in the building’s performance through reduced energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Deep energy retrofits (DER) aim to save 50% or more of the energy used on site in a building as compared to its baseline energy usage. These energy savings are typically realized through improvements to the building envelope, including insulation and air sealing, and through upgrades to high-efficiency heating, cooling, and hot water systems. In addition to reduced energy and greenhouse gas emissions, a successful DER provides benefits to building durability, comfort, and indoor air quality (IAQ).

Financial Terms
Term	Definition
Conditional Commitment	Funding is earmarked to support the building or repair of units of whose formal project agreement is still subject to final approvals and conditions (letter of intent is signed).
Financial Commitment	formal loan agreement is duly executed and a binding agreement is reached to provide credit under pre-specified terms and conditions (letter of agreement is signed).
Financial Sustainability	Financial sustainability refers to the ability to maintain an organization or project over the long-term- see Financial Viability.
Financial Viability	Financial viability is the ability for the building owner or manager to generate sufficient income (from rent, common elements fees, etc.) to meet its operating payments and debt commitments, and saving for future capital needs to maintain the building in good condition.
Forgivable loan	A form of loan that could be *forgiven*, if you meet program criteria and targets.
In-Kind Contributions	In-kind contributions can be provided by project collaborators, such as other interested parties (i.e. non-profit organizations, private sector), departments or other government bodies (i.e. Municipalities, Provinces and Territories, Indigenous governments and organizations) and involves non-cash asset transactions (e.g. land donation, inclusionary zoning provisions, waived development charges and fees; tax rebates).
Repayable loan	A form of loan that is to be *repaid* on a monthly basis within a specific time frame.

Repair and renewal
Term	Definition
Repair (Housing)	To fix, restore or replace parts of or fix a building (known as “elements”) element to a good or sound condition after decay, damage or failure. Within the context of NHS, “repair” generally applies to the restoration, fixing, and mending of discrete building elements that have failed or are at risk of imminent failure. Repairs can include replacement of the deteriorated or failed element. This form of “repair” does not include regular operations and maintenance (O&M) activities.
Renewal (Housing)	To modernize a building or building systems that have come to the end of their expected service life, in order to improve overall performance, service, amenity, energy efficiency and to better meet current and future needs. Within the context of the NHS, “renewal” generally applies to the substantial or complete renovation and updating of an entire building or housing development, including the building envelope, mechanical, electrical and other building systems and services.
Good Condition	Good condition means that the dwelling is not in need of ‘major repairs’ for it to function and meet the needs of its residents. In other words, the systems or building elements are performing as expected with respect to their intended function. It is acknowledged that a few minor repairs may be required in addition to ongoing maintenance work. Major repairs includes dwellings with defective plumbing or electrical wiring, and dwellings needing structural repairs to walls, roofs, floors or ceilings.
Useful Life	The period over which an asset or resource, such as a part of a building, appliance, instrument, system etc., is expected to be functional or available for use by an entity. It is the estimated or expected time between placing the asset or resource into service and removing it from service.
Remediation	To improve a contaminated site in order to prevent, minimize or mitigate damage to human health or the environment. Remediation involves the development and application of a planned approach that removes, destroys, contains or otherwise reduces the availability of contaminants.
Remote	Remote refers to a community that is either a long distance from larger settlements (population centre) or lacks transportation links that are typical in more populated areas.
Rural Area	Rural areas include all land lying outside population centres and the people living within those rural areas.
Scattered Units	Scattered units are considered to be existing rental residential units owned by an individual or organization that do not share the same property identification number (i.e. are on separate legal titles).
Social Inclusion	Social inclusion is a process of improving the extent to which people of all backgrounds, demographics, circumstances and income levels have the access, resources and opportunities to fully participate in all aspects of society. Working towards social inclusion means using measures to reduce or eliminate barriers contributing to disadvantage, marginalization or exclusion. Important attributes of housing that support social inclusion include: the affordability of housing; the physical accessibility of housing for persons with disabilities; the location of the housing in proximity to transit, jobs, schools and local amenities such as libraries, social services, child care and health care services; and the mix of incomes in a building or neighbourhood. Other aspects measures that support social inclusion include meaningfully engaging people in the planning, design and operation/management of their housing, ensuring occupants have a sense of privacy and control over their living space, ensuring access to housing is free from discrimination, and provision of, or access to services that support a range of social, cultural, recreational opportunities that encourage participation.
Special Access Communities	A community that lacks transportation links that are typical in more populated areas, that has no year-round road access or which can only be accessed by water or air transportation. These can include one or more of the following: Winter-road, barge, marine, fly-ins, and/or rail access.
Supportive Housing	Supportive housing is housing that provides a physical environment that is specifically designed to be safe, secure, enabling and home-like, with support services such as social services, provision of meals, housekeeping and social and recreational activities, in order to maximize residents’ independence, privacy and dignity.
Sustainable Housing	Housing designed, built and operated using techniques, materials and technologies that result in houses that are highly energy efficient, make efficient use of resources, have low environmental impact, are healthy to live in, are affordable, and produce as much energy as they consume on an annual basis.
Sustainability	Sustainable development means achieving low-carbon, environmentally responsible economic growth, maintaining and restoring our ecosystems, and ensuring Canadians can flourish in clean and healthy environments.
Transitional Housing	Housing that is intended to offer a supportive living environment for its residents, including offering them the experience, tools, knowledge and opportunities for social and skill development to become more independent. It is considered an intermediate step between emergency shelter and supportive housing, and has limits on how long an individual or family can stay. Stays are typically between three months and three years.
Transit-oriented development or TOD	Transit-oriented development, or TOD, is an approach to development that focuses land uses around a transit station (node) or within a transit corridor. Typically, it is characterized by: A mix of land uses Moderate to high density development Pedestrian orientation/connectivity Transportation choices Reduced parking High quality design
Urban (residential) Intensification	Urban (residential) intensification (or densification) encourages the development of property, site or area at a higher density than currently exists, through development, redevelopment, infill and expansion or conversion of existing buildings. The form and level of intensification will differ, based on the specific characteristics such as location, history, community strengths and preferences.
Universal Design See Accessibility – Accessible Housing	Universal design is a set of features, principles and strategies that can be incorporated into the design of a home, so it can be more easily adapted to keep pace with the needs of residents of all ages and abilities. Universally designed houses allow residents to live safely, comfortably and independently in their homes as they age, without any expensive or disruptive renovations. For the purpose of the NHS, Universal Design includes enhanced accessibility, safety and ease-of-use features over and above the minimum accessibility requirements.
Urban Indigenous Projects	Urban Indigenous housing projects are those housing projects located in population centres that are designed, constructed and operated with the urban Indigenous people in mind. Urban Indigenous peoples – refers primarily to First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals currently residing in urban areas, outside of reserves for First Nations people (i.e. First Nations living in urban centres/off-reserve).
Violence against women shelters	Defined as facilities providing temporary shelter to single women or women with children fleeing domestic abuse. They may function in either a crisis capacity or as transitional or second-stage housing.
Visitability (See Accessibility, Accessible Housing)	“Visitable Housing” or “Visitability” is the concept of designing and building homes with basic accessibility features. Visitable homes provide easy access on the main level for everyone. Visitable housing offers a convenient home for residents and a welcoming environment for visitors of all ages and mobility. Basic features include a level entry, wider doors throughout the entrance level and an accessible washroom on the entrance level as well.
Vulnerable Groups (or Equity-Seeking Groups)	Persons belonging, or perceived to belong, to groups that are in a disadvantaged position or marginalised are often referred to as vulnerable groups or equity-seeking groups. In the case of the National Housing Strategy, priority groups are currently defined to include survivors (especially women and their children fleeing domestic violence); seniors; Indigenous peoples; people with disabilities; people dealing with mental health and addiction issues; veterans; 2SLGBTQIA+; racialized groups; recent immigrants (including refugees); and people experiencing homelessness. We recognize that people often live with multiple experiences of marginalization and thus an intersectional lens should be applied in discussion of each of these vulnerable groups.

NHS Priority Groups
Term	Definition
Survivors (especially Women and their children) fleeing domestic violence	Survivors fleeing domestic violence are individuals who leave their home because they fear or have experienced violence within that setting. Domestic violence is often associated with gender-based violence (GBV) which is violence that is committed against someone based on their gender identity, gender expression or perceived gender.
Seniors	Usually the population of individuals aged 65 and over.
People with developmental disabilities	A developmental disability (also called intellectual disability) is characterized as people with significant limitations in both intellectual capacity and adaptive skills (e.g., Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome and autism).
People with mental health and addiction issues	The terms ‘mental illness’ and ‘addiction’ refer to a wide range of disorders that affect mood, thinking and behaviour. Examples include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, as well as substance use disorders and problem gambling.
People with physical disabilities	Physical disability is the existence of a long–lasting condition that substantially limits one or more basic physical activities such as walking, climbing stairs, reaching, lifting or carrying. This includes sensory disability conditions such as blindness, deafness, or a severe vision or hearing impairment that noticeably affects activities of daily living.
Racialized Persons	Racialized persons and/or groups can have racial meanings attributed to them in ways that negatively impact their social, political, and economic life. This includes but is not necessarily limited to people classified as “visible minorities” under the Canadian census and may include people impacted by antisemitism and Islamophobia.
Newcomers (including refugees)	Immigrants or refugees who have been in Canada for a short time, usually less than 5 years.
2SLGBTQIA+ community	Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirit and other gender-non binary individuals. What does LGBTQ2+ mean?
Veterans	Former members of the Canadian Armed Forces who successfully underwent basic training and were honourably released.
Indigenous peoples	‘Indigenous Peoples’ is a collective name for the original peoples of North America and their descendants. The Canadian Constitution recognizes three groups of Indigenous peoples (sometimes, still named ‘Aboriginal peoples’): First Nations, Inuit and Métis. These are three distinct peoples with unique histories, languages, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. 'First Nations people' include Status and non-Status Indians.
Homeless (also captured above)	The situation of an individual or family that does not have a permanent address or residence; the living situation of an individual or family who does not have stable, permanent, appropriate housing, or the immediate prospect, means and ability of acquiring it. It is often the result of what are known as systemic or societal barriers, including a lack of affordable and appropriate housing, the individual/household’s financial, mental, cognitive, behavioural or physical challenges, and/or racism and discrimination.
Working poor / housing challenged	A person who is considered of the “working poor” is someone who: has an after-tax income below the poverty line, or Low-income Measure (LIM) for the area in which they live has earnings of at least $3,000 a year is between the ages of 18 and 64 is not a student lives independently defines “working” as those individuals with at least $3,000 in employment earnings. This $3,000 income floor is the threshold for recipients of the federal Working Income Tax Benefit (WITB).