Community Housing Policy in Ontario
Turn policy knowledge into sector impact
If you work in community housing, policy shapes your work every day. Understanding how housing policy evolved and how it continues to influence funding models, governance structures, and tenant outcomes is essential to leading effectively in today’s environment.
Led by renowned housing policy expert Steve Pomeroy, Community Housing Policy in Ontario is an in-depth university-style course designed to strengthen your policy literacy and analytical skills.
Through structured modules, guided discussion, curated readings, and applied assignments, you will examine the historical, political, and economic forces that have shaped Canada’s and Ontario’s housing systems and continue to influence them today.
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to critically assess housing issues, understand the institutional dynamics driving decision-making, and engage confidently and strategically in the policy conversations that shape your organization and the broader sector.
What you’ll learn
- Trace the historical evolution of housing policy in Ontario and Canada
- Analyze the key institutional, political, and economic influences shaping policy direction
- Examine the structural drivers behind today’s housing affordability crisis
- Assess policy reform pathways and the role of community housing in Ontario’s future
Course content
Here’s an overview of your course curriculum:
Module 1 – The way we were: History and evolution of housing policy in Ontario and Canada
Trace the evolution of housing policy in Canada from post-war public housing to today’s National Housing Strategy and explore how shifting priorities have shaped what we build, preserve, and make affordable.
Module 2 – How did we get here? Exploring the roots of the housing affordability crisis
Dig into the roots of Canada’s housing affordability crisis. Unpack the latest debates on affordability and supply, explore the forces driving the crisis, and use data to assess whether current programs are meeting the need.
Module 3 – Is there a way out? Charting a path forward on housing affordability
Examine practical pathways out of Canada’s housing crisis, from policy mechanisms and shared responsibilities to a critical look at Canada’s Housing Plan and post-election developments.
Cost
Upgraded Members
How it works
Developed and led by renowned housing policy expert Steve Pomeroy, this cohort-based course combines live instruction with structured independent learning.
Duration: 20 hours over two months
Format:
- Three 2-hour live online lectures (Zoom) with Q&A and discussion (recorded)
- Online discussion forum
- Curated readings provided in advance
- Interactive quizzes
- Short reflection exercises after each module
- Graded 1,500-word reflective essay assignment
Platform: Moodle (LMS access provided)
Readings: Required readings will be assigned ahead of each lecture. Additional optional resources are provided for participants who wish to explore topics in greater depth.
Assessment: Learners must receive a minimum grade of 80% on each assessment component, including short multiple-choice quizzes, exercises, and the 1,500-word reflective essay, to receive a certificate of completion.
Schedule
Course runs: April 15, 2026 – June 10, 2026
The course opens on April 15, 2026, and live lectures will be held via Zoom from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on:
- April 29, 2026
- May 13, 2026
- May 27, 2026
Essay assignment is due no later than June 10, 2026 when the course ends. Participants will have full access to course materials throughout the course period.
Requirements
In order to access this course, make sure you have:
- Internet connection
- Operating systems: Windows 7 or higher, Mac OS X 10.6 or higher
- Browser: Runs JavaScript
- Software: Microsoft Word (or Word processing software compatible with MS Office 2013)
- Additional requirements: Updated versions of Adobe Reader
- Zoom access
Meet your instructor
Steve is an Ottawa based housing research consultant and part time lecturer at Carleton and McMaster. Widely recognized as one of the leading housing policy experts and thought leaders in Canada, Steve has 45 years of experience in the housing sector, working at the municipal and federal government, in non-profit development, and since 1994, as a consultant and part-time academic.
Since 1994 he has authored over 260 research reports and papers on housing and homeless issues. He has been an advisor to local, provincial and national governments and organizations and is a frequent commentator on housing issues in various national and local media.