Laurentian University is proud to announce additional funding that will support the recently established Institute for Northern Housing Innovation, a bold new initiative dedicated to addressing Northern Ontario's housing and climate challenges through sustainable, affordable, and inclusive solutions.
The Institute will be supported by an additional $750,000 in combined funding from three key partners:
- $450,000 from FedNor, through the Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative
- $150,000 from the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation (GSDC)
- $150,000 from Desjardins, through the Community Development Fund
The Institute for Northern Housing Innovation, located within Laurentian University's McEwen School of Architecture, will serve as a hub for research, training, and collaboration. Its mission is to develop and mobilize housing technologies tailored to the unique realities of Northern Ontario, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, low-carbon practices, and affordability.
"The Institute for Northern Housing Innovation reflects our commitment to research with real-world impact. We're thankful to have funders who value forward-thinking solutions in collaboration with communities, industry, and government." - Dr. Tammy Eger, Vice-President of Research at Laurentian University.
"The Government of Canada and FedNor are stepping up with $450,000 to help combat Northern Ontario's housing crisis by establishing the Centre for Housing Innovation at Laurentian University. This investment will help advance sustainable and affordable housing solutions for Northern Ontario and aligns with our National Housing Strategy by bringing people together to build more affordable homes, better lives and stronger communities". - The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor.
"The City of Greater Sudbury, through the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation, is proud to support the growth of the Institute for Housing Innovation," said Greater Sudbury Mayor Paul Lefebvre. "This initiative reflects our commitment to creative, made-in-the-North solutions to the housing challenges we face. By investing in research and innovation, we are strengthening our ability to meet demand and building a more inclusive, resilient city for everyone."
"At Desjardins, we believe that safe, affordable, and inclusive housing helps communities
grow and thrive. Through our contribution, we are supporting research and collaboration that will lead to practical solutions for Northern Ontario's unique realities. This initiative connects with our commitment to community development and environmental stewardship". - Stéphan Plante, Vice President Ontario, Member Experience and Retail Banking.
"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.
The Institute had previously secured $512,544 in funding from the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security through the Training, Equipment and Renewal Fund (TERF).
This transformative initiative positions Laurentian University at the forefront of sustainable housing research and innovation, with long-lasting benefits for Northern Ontario and beyond.
