3 Takeaways from the 2025 ONPHA Conference
Three days. Countless conversations. One clear message: Housing at the Heart is our path forward.
The 2025 ONPHA Conference brought together housing leaders, policy makers, and community partners from across Ontario to share ideas, celebrate progress, and shape the future of community housing.
Over three days in Toronto, close to 1,000 delegates explored how to build stronger organizations, foster innovation, and drive collaboration across sectors all with one goal in mind: ensuring everyone in Ontario has a place to call home. `
By the numbers:
- 90 speakers
- 80+ exhibitors
- 40+ sessions
Beyond the numbers, what truly stood out were the insights and ideas Check out three key takeaways:
1. Build from within
The opening sessions on Day 1 reminded us that we already have the tools we need to make meaningful progress. With $38 Billion in collective assets, our sector is poised to unlock opportunity.
Non-profit housing providers have assets, expertise, and community connections that can be leveraged to grow and modernize housing. Speakers encouraged organizations to think creatively about their portfolios by using land, equity, and partnerships to build capacity and unlock new development opportunities.
The key message: don’t wait for someone else to solve the crisis, start with what you have.
We were joined by all three levels of government: Ana Bailão, who made her first address to the sector as the new CEO of Build Canada Homes; the Hon. Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. Their participation underscored the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose that’s driving our sector forward.
2. The stars are aligning
If one phrase captured the energy on Day 2, it was “the stars are aligning.” Across plenaries and panels, sector leaders and innovators showed that momentum is building through:
- innovative financing models like community bonds and acquisition funds that are helping non-profits expand their portfolios;
- cross-sector partnerships that are breaking down silos between housing, health, and community services;
- and data and evidence-based planning driving smarter systems and better outcomes.
There’s a new confidence emerging across the sector built on creativity, purpose, and shared leadership. We’re not just responding to the housing crisis; we’re shaping the solution.
3. Leadership starts here
The final plenary explored what it takes to build resilient housing systems. The key takeaway was that resilience isn’t just about surviving challenges, it’s about the ability to innovate, adapt, and leverage partnerships to meet evolving community needs.
For community housing providers, that means:
- Building capital: Use existing assets to fuel growth and innovation.
- Expanding who we serve: Meet the needs of low-, moderate-, and middle-income households alike.
- Showcasing impact: Demonstrate outcomes and community benefits to attract new partners and investment.
Beyond the sessions
Some of the most powerful conversations happened outside the rooms in hallways, over meals, and on the trade show floor. That’s where collaboration begins and partnerships take root.
To everyone who joined us: thank you for sharing your insights, energy, and commitment. We’re heading back to our offices inspired, energized, and ready to put Housing at the Heart of everything we do.
Celebrating impact and innovation
One of the true highlights of the Conference was taking time to celebrate the people behind the housing: the changemakers, collaborators, and community builders who make a difference every day.
Through the ONPHA Awards program, we honoured their outstanding contributions and impact. See the full list of winners here.
Save the dates for 2026
The 2026 ONPHA Conference will take place from October 29 to October 31 at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel. Stay tuned for registration. Become an ONPHA member to save hundreds on your Conference pass!
In the meantime, keep your professional development going beyond the Conference with ONPHA’s upcoming online courses and webinars.
P.S. We loved the Blue Jays pride this year 💙 We’ll get ’em next time, team!
