ONPHA’s blog is your go-to source for news, insights, and resources related to community housing in Ontario. Stay up-to-date on sector trends, government policies on housing, and practical management tips.
Discover inspiring stories of local community housing initiatives, learn about funding opportunities, and empower yourself with the information you need to make a positive impact on non-profit housing in your community.
While regulation can sometimes be seen as a burden, it is crucial to the health of the housing sector both in Canada and abroad. Read about how Ireland is moving from a voluntary regulatory framework to a mandatory one, and how this might strengthen the capacity of their housing providers. Read more of the article: Why regulation matters
What’s the best way to deal with rats in your building? To not let them inside in the first place! ONPHA Best Deals partner Terminix shares their best prevention tips. Read more of the article: Oh rats! How to prevent them from moving in
The Hastings Local Housing Corporation has a good-news story to share - they received more than $150,000 in rebates to defray the cost of capital upgrades. Find out how YOU can start writing your own good-news story with Union Gas. Read more of the article: Save up to 50% of the cost of upgrading your equipment with Union Gas
Shape your future in our sector! ONPHA is bringing expert speakers from England and Canada to this year’s conference to give you the tools needed to lead and succeed in our sector’s future. Read more of the article: Shape your future: Inspire change and lead the sector
Fire safety compliance is a huge job involving multiple checklists and procedures, and it’s crucial for housing providers to tick off all of their boxes when it comes to keeping their buildings safe and secure. Keep reading for commonly overlooked fire inspections and be sure to account for these in your plan. Read more of the article: Don’t overlook these fire safety inspections
Our sector has eagerly awaited the roll out of the affordable housing initiatives announced in the 2016 federal budget. Find out more about recent funding and how to prepare. Read more of the article: Be Funding Ready
Question: My tenant is 20 years old and lives alone. Her only source of income is $1,200 from Child and Family Services in a different province. She gave me a letter that calls it “income support”. What is this income and how do I calculate it? Read more of the article: Ask Member Support: Income support in RGI
Ontario’s property tax system does not treat non-profit housing providers consistently. Some are exempt but many are taxed beyond the income they bring in. What’s going on with these inconsistencies and how have housing providers responded? Read more of the article: What’s going on with Ontario’s Inconsistent Property Tax System?
The Oaks in Ottawa has helped to decrease per-person alcohol consumption by 30% and improve the overall mental and physical health of their residents, all while saving the public money. Find out how they're doing it and how a similar model can be applied to other communities. Read more of the article: Creating opportunities for a happier life
The rising cost of utilities in Ontario has put a great financial strain on non-profit housing providers, and the environmental impacts from a lack of sustainable housing are proving detrimental. How is the government responding to these issues, what funding is available and what’s coming down the pipe? Read more of the article: Energy Efficiency and Ontario’s Non-Profit Housing Sector
