Damian Collins
University of Alberta : Project Director
Joshua Evans
University of Alberta : Project Deputy Director
As co-leads of our Cross-Cutting Theme: Increasing Adequate Supply, we investigate the opportunities and barriers to expanding community housing in Canada and ensuring new supply meets adequacy standards. Our research identifies key challenges, explores how providers balance affordability with housing adequacy, and generates policy recommendations to strengthen government support. By working closely with the community housing sector, we aim to advance solutions that enable sustainable and adequate housing growth.
Meg Holden
Simon Fraser University
Yushu Zhu
Simon Fraser University
As co-leads of Area of Inquiry I: Addressing Housing Vulnerability, we examine the role of community housing in addressing housing vulnerability in Canada and how its impact can be strengthened. Using a capabilities-based approach, we are developing frameworks to measure housing vulnerability, assess the potential and limitations of community housing, and identify policy and operational changes to enhance the sector’s capacity. Our work aims to inform and support efforts to create more effective and inclusive housing solutions
Runa Das
Royal Roads University
Rob Newel
Royal Roads University
As co-leads of Area of Inquiry II: Enhancing Building Energy Innovation and Co-Benefits, we examine the neighbourhood-scale sustainability benefits and challenges of implementing energy innovations in community housing. Our research explores the co-benefits, trade-offs, and place-based considerations of various energy solutions, assessing their suitability across different environmental, social, and economic contexts. By identifying the advantages and limitations of these innovations, we aim to inform sustainable and context-responsive energy strategies for community housing.
Julia Woodhall-Melnik
University of New-Brunswick
Tobin LeBlanc Haley
University of New-Brunswick
As co-leads of Area of Inquiry III: Deepening Social Inclusion through Housing Interventions, we are addressing data gaps on the housing needs of priority populations under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) and identifying practices that enhance social inclusion. Our work involves community-engaged research, mixed-methods housing needs assessments, and peer-led investigations into the experiences of those on housing waitlists. By generating new data and highlighting effective strategies, we aim to inform evidence-based policies that improve housing stability and accessibility.
Katie MacDonald
Athabasca University
Chloé Reiser
École Normale Supérieure de Lyon
As co-leads of Area of Inquiry IV: Understanding Labour in and for Community Housing, we explore the experiences of those working in and for community housing in Canada. Our research examines what housing workers see as essential for a thriving sector and how activists and advocates work to expand housing availability and accessibility. By generating insights into these different forms of labour, we aim to strengthen and support the community housing movement.
Isabella Grande
Communications Lead
Isabella is a current Human Geography student at the University of Alberta and is CHC’s Communications Lead. She supports administrative tasks, facilitates communication between members, and assists with networking efforts. She plays a key role in ensuring smooth operations and helping Community Housing Canada stay connected and collaborative.
