Laurentian University is proud to announce the launch of the Institute for Northern Housing Innovation, a new research institute dedicated to advancing sustainable and affordable housing solutions for Northern Ontario communities.
The Institute, housed within the McEwen School of Architecture, aims to address key challenges related to housing design and construction in Northern Ontario. Through community and industry partnerships, the Institute will act as a hub for knowledge exchange in pursuit of innovative solutions to make housing more accessible, sustainable and affordable, while contributing to the well-being of northern communities and transforming the housing and construction industry.
The Institute has secured $512,544 in funding from the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security through the Training, Equipment and Renewal Fund (TERF). The TERF is a $10 million provincial fund which helps universities renew and buy modern, state-of-the-art equipment and learning resources.
"Ontario is home to some of the brightest minds in the world who are tackling critical problems to improve the lives of people in our province and across the globe. Our government is proud to support Laurentian University's Institute for Northern Housing Innovation to develop solutions to address housing accessibility, sustainability, and affordability as we work together to build the Ontario of tomorrow." - Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.
Research at the Institute will include the development of advanced construction and manufacturing processes, bio-based building materials, sustainable housing design, economic models for affordability, and environmental impact analysis. Outreach activities will focus on community engagement, policy advocacy, and collaboration with the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. With a focus on community partnerships, the Institute will lead interdisciplinary efforts to address urgent housing needs, particularly in northern, Indigenous, and Francophone communities.
"The generous funding for this cutting-edge Institute will create a springboard for Laurentian University students to launch their careers as leaders; addressing the housing needs of the future. The Institute and its trainees will have significant impacts for Northern Ontario and the world over." - Dr. Malcolm M Campbell, Provost and Vice-President Academic, Laurentian University.
The Institute builds on the McEwen School of Architecture's tricultural mandate and history of community-driven design. Its work will be informed by longstanding partnerships with municipalities across Northern Ontario.
The Institute for Northern Housing Innovation will play a vital role in supporting the health, sustainability, and resilience of Northern Ontario's communities for generations to come.
"The Institute for Northern Housing Innovation reflects our commitment to research with real-world impact. Housing affordability and sustainability are pressing concerns in Northern Ontario, and this Institute will position Laurentian as a leader in developing practical, forward-thinking solutions in collaboration with communities, industry, and government."
- Dr. Tammy Eger, Vice-President of Research at Laurentian University.
"This initiative is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration. By working alongside communities, policymakers, and industry, we can drive systemic change in how we approach housing in the North."
- Steven Beites, Assistant Professor, McEwen School of Architecture and Director, Institute for Northern Housing Innovation.
