Laurentian University to Establish Northern Housing Innovation Institute with $450,000 Federal Funding

Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, announced on August 28 that the Government of Canada, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor), will provide $450,000 to Laurentian University to establish the Institute for Northern Housing Innovation at the McEwen School of Architecture in Sudbury.

According to FedNor, the Institute for Northern Housing Innovation will focus on community outreach, training for industry professionals and local builders, and sharing knowledge through seminars and online publications. This information may be relevant to residents interested in housing issues and training opportunities in northeastern Ontario.

FedNor stated that the funding supports the first phase of the project. Phase one includes acquiring equipment and technology for outreach and training activities, purchasing software licenses and subscriptions, conducting training, making leasehold improvements, and expanding space at the McEwen School of Architecture to accommodate the institute.

FedNor indicated that future phases of the project will involve additional outreach, training, and efforts to share knowledge about northern housing. According to FedNor, this funding is part of the Government of Canada’s Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative, which will provide $50 million over two years starting in 2024 to support local innovative housing projects across Canada.

Dr. Tammy Eger, Vice-President of Research at Laurentian University, stated that the institute intends to collaborate with communities, industry, and government during its operation.