Government of Canada supports housing innovation
News release
FedDev Ontario announces support for six projects that are advancing innovation in housing manufacturing and supply across southern Ontario
August 22, 2025 – Windsor, Ontario
Businesses, organizations and local manufacturers are working hard to create innovative solutions to advance Canada’s housing supply and boost manufacturing efficiency. To build Canada strong, the Government is committed to supporting these innovators as they change the way houses are built by building homes faster, more affordably, and in the places Canadians need them. Investing in our homegrown building industry will ensure that Canadians can find an affordable place to call home.
Today, the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), visited the University of Windsor to announce a combined Government of Canada investment of nearly $12 million for six businesses and organizations to advance innovative housing solutions across southern Ontario: Arctic Acres, Axe Buildings, BK Cornerstone Design Build Ltd., Dyck Exterior Installations Inc., Infrastructure Development Partners Inc., and the University of Windsor. A number of these projects are funded through the Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative (RHII) to help address the way homes are built to better meet our country’s demand.
The University of Windsor is receiving an investment of $2 million to showcase new 3D printing technology through the construction of a net-zero student residence building to demonstrate innovative housing solutions. The project includes a research component, which contains hands-on training for 60 participants – including students, construction professionals, engineers and government officials, a virtual conference, and a dedicated website to promote 3D printing and automation in homebuilding.
Today’s announcement also includes an investment of over $2.5 million for Tecumseh-based BK Cornerstone Design Build Ltd. (BK Cornerstone) to upgrade its facility with state-of-the-art machinery to develop a first-of-its-kind automated wall panel manufacturing line. When used in construction, these panels will reduce energy consumption, lower construction costs and decrease build times. The project is expected to support the growing need for more sustainable and timely housing materials. All project information is included in the backgrounder.
The Government of Canada is making investments to scale innovation and increase productivity in the housing sector, bringing new housing-related technologies to market and contributing to the goal of building homes smarter and faster for Canadians.
Quotes
“Our home builders and local manufacturers are tackling the housing crisis and building up our economy in Southern Ontario during this hinge moment in history. With today’s investment from FedDev Ontario, we’re backing six breakthrough, housing-focused projects, like the innovative teams at the University of Windsor and BK Cornerstone Design Build Ltd., who are redefining what’s possible in Canadian construction. By harnessing made-in-Ontario solutions that accelerate build times, boost energy efficiency, and streamline how we create new homes, we’re taking real steps to address affordability and availability head-on. When we champion our homegrown industries and invest in cutting-edge technologies, we’re powering our Canadian economy and building a stronger Canada.”
– The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)
“We are delighted to launch a housing project that will showcase the talent and technology available on our campus and beyond to expedite homebuilding. This project presents the University with a unique opportunity to integrate cutting-edge, sustainable technology while advancing impactful research.”
– Gillian Heisz, Vice-President of Finance and Operations, University of Windsor
"At BK Cornerstone, we’ve always believed that better homes build better communities. Our new Net Zero wall panel technology is the next chapter in that legacy, designed to accelerate construction, reduce energy costs, and make sustainable living more accessible to Canadians. With the support of the Government of Canada, we’re not just transforming how homes are built, we’re setting a new standard for how the industry meets the demands of the future."
– Brent Klundert, President, BK Cornerstone Design Build Ltd.
Quick facts
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Arctic Acres manufactures innovative geodome structures built to endure tough weather, including snow loads and wind speeds of over 180 km/hour.
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Axe Buildings is a modular housing company delivering fully panelized, low-carbon homes that are net-zero ready and 100% Canadian-made.
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BK Cornerstone Design Build Ltd. designs and builds high-performance, energy-efficient custom homes. The company was the first EnergyStar® registered builder in Windsor-Essex County, and is also one of the area’s few certified net-zero builders.
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Dyck Exterior Installation Inc. manufactures custom exterior colour options for residential and commercial homes across Chatham-Kent, Windsor-Essex and London, as well as Elgin County, Kitchener-Waterloo, and the GTA, offering services such as siding, capping, fencing and exterior renovations.
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Infrastructure Development Partners Inc. is transforming traditional construction with cutting-edge advanced manufacturing techniques.
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The University of Windsor’s 3D Printed Housing Program is pioneering Canada’s first on-site printed multi-story student residence using traditional cement concrete—redefining affordability and sustainability in construction.
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The Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative's (RHII) goal is to advance innovative homebuilding solutions and boost productivity within the homebuilding sector in Canada. Through RHII, the Agency is prioritizing projects that support innovative homebuilding solutions and demonstrate a clear connection in expediting change in the way homes are built in Canada.
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Canada’s RDAs are delivering $50 million through RHII over two years. In southern Ontario, FedDev Ontario is delivering over $15.6 million.
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Since 2015, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has invested over $1 billion in over 485 manufacturing projects, supporting over 29,000 jobs.
Associated links
Contacts
Sofia Ouslis
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Innovation and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
Sofia.Ouslis@ised-isde.gc.ca
Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
media@feddevontario.gc.ca
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