Government of Canada invests $450,000 to establish the Institute for Northern Housing Innovation at Laurentian University
News release
FedNor funding will help address critical challenges in Northern Ontario housing sector
August 28, 2025 – Sudbury, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor
Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, today announced a FedNor investment of $450,000 to help Laurentian University create the Institute for Northern Housing Innovation (INHI) at the McEwen School of Architecture. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor.
Supported by FedNor and the Government of Canada’s Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative, INHI will help address critical challenges in Northern Ontario’s housing sector. Once fully operational, the Institute will share knowledge and innovative solutions, while bringing communities and industry together to make housing more accessible, sustainable, and affordable. This will be achieved through community outreach, training for industry professionals and local builders, and online publications and seminars.
Specifically, FedNor is supporting phase 1 of the project, which includes purchasing new equipment and technology for community outreach and training activities. This includes software licenses and subscriptions, training, lease-hold improvements and the expansion of existing space at the McEwen School of Architecture needed accommodate INHI. Identified as a regional priority, this strategic initiative will pave the way for phase two and three of the project, which focuses on community outreach, training, and knowledge mobilization.
These efforts support the Government of Canada’s National Housing Strategy, a multi-year plan to build affordable housing so more Canadians can have a place to call home.
Quotes
“By establishing the Institute for Northern Housing Innovation at Laurentian University, we’re helping Canadians secure their right to a home they can call their own. This investment in Northern Ontario will unlock the potential to transform lives and communities, by advancing sustainable and affordable housing solutions and aligning with our National Housing Strategy. Together, we are building a future for every generation to have more affordable homes, better lives and stronger communities.”
- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister Jobs and Families and Minister Responsible for FedNor
“Today’s announcement will help pave the way for the construction of more affordable housing in Greater Sudbury and communities across Northern Ontario. Our goal is to ensure Canadians have access to housing that meets their needs and budget and this investment to establish the Institute for Northern Housing Innovation will help achieve exactly that. Congratulations to Laurentian University for spearheading this priority project that will have far reaching benefits for people, families and businesses across the region.”
- Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury
“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
Quick facts
-
The funding announced today is provided through FedNor and the Government of Canada’s Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative, which will provide $50 million over two years, starting in 2024-2025, to support local innovative housing solutions across the country.
-
This project aligns the Government of Canada’s Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario, which identifies investing in building the economic development capacity of municipalities and Indigenous communities in the region as a key action.
Associated links
Contacts
Aissa Diop
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for FedNor
Aissa.diop@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Media Relations