Day 1 - Monday Nov 15


DAY 1 - MONDAY, NOV 15
8:30 AM – 9:30 AM Morning Plenary Keynote:
Hon. David Eby, Minister Responsible for Housing
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM Tradeshow & Networking Break
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM BREAKOUT SESSIONS 1 M01 Funders’ Panel: Join the Experts M02 Board Effectiveness: Elements of High-Performing Boards M03 Conflict in Housing M04 Building Social Connectedness and Resilience with Seniors M05 Face 2 Face with Stigma M06 Overdose Response in Housing in the Midst of COVID-19 M07 Successful Tenanting Strategies for New Buildings M08 Climate Change Through Resilience & Adaptation in Housing
11:30 AM – 12:00 PM Networking Lunch Break
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Afternoon Plenary Keynote:
Llanne Hannaway & Cassie Doyle
1:00 PM – 1:15 PM Break
1:15 PM – 2:30 PM BREAKOUT SESSIONS 2 M09 Thought Leaders’ Dialogue: Diversity and Inclusion in Governance M10 Indigenous Partnerships: Skookum Housing Solutions M11 Building Your Organization’s Capacity to Become a Developer M12 A Path to Accessible Housing: Experiences and Solutions M13 Implementing the Human Right to Adequate Housing in Canada M14 Tenant Engagement and Demand Maintenance: Empowering Tenants M15 Introduction to Capital Planning M16 Emergency Services: Fair Billing Practices and Control Bids
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM Tradeshow & Learning Lounges
3:15 PM – 4:30 PM BREAKOUT SESSIONS 3 M17 CMHC INHS: Charting a New Path M18 Collaboration and Support of Strathcona Park Encampment M19 Municipal Partnerships to Advance Inclusive Housing M20 Directors and Officers Liability M21 Setting Professional Boundaries for Frontline Workers M22 Understanding First Nations Land Tenure and Financing M23 Creating Shared Value with Modular Social Housing M24 Apartment 2.0: Healthy Homes and the Renovation Revolution
4:30 PM – 6:00 PM CHF BC Session M25 How to Use an Anti-racist and Anti-oppression Perspective in Policy and Community Development

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Morning Plenary

Morning Plenary: Political Panel - Hon. David Eby

We’ll kick off the 2021 Virtual Housing Central Conference with a traditional welcome from Shane Pointe and a keynote address by the Hon. David Eby, Attorney General and Minister Responsible for Housing, who will share the latest news in provincial housing policy. 
Category
Applicable to All
When
11/15/2021 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Tradeshow & Networking Break

Tradeshow & Networking Break

Our lineup of tradeshow exhibitors offers a range of products and services that can make a significant impact on your organization – making your operations more efficient, helping you save energy, improving your services, and boosting your bottom line with savings and increased revenue.
Use this opportunity to explore the exhibitors’ sites and book your meetings with tradeshow representatives during the dedicated conference breaks.
Category
Applicable to All
When
11/15/2021 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Breakout Sessions 1

M01: Funders' Panel: Join the Experts

This panel will discuss the range of available funding options for housing providers related to items like new construction, rehabilitation, renovation, redevelopment, and capacity building. Join experts from BC Housing, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and the Community Housing Transformation Centre to talk about existing programs as well as have your questions answered.

Presenters: BC Housing, CMHC, FCM, and Canadian Housing Transformation Centre
Category
Leadership
Track
Listen + Ask
When
11/15/2021 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

M02: Board Effectiveness: Elements of High-Performing Boards

In today’s change-filled, complex and interconnected environment, an effective board of directors is pivotal to your organization successfully accomplishing its goals. Teamwork in the board is critical to effective board performance. This session explores elements of high-performing teams as it applies to boards, including: clarifying the role of the board; the dynamics and culture of the board; how the board connects with its stakeholders; and, how the board learns and develops. Attendees will engage in interactive activities and dialogue, and come away with practical strategies to assess, support and develop board effectiveness.

Presenters: Charles Lee, Leadership and Team Coach, Consultant and Facilitator
Category
Leadership
Track
Listen + Ask + Interact
When
11/15/2021 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

M03: Conflict in Housing

Please note that pre-registration is required as this session is limited to 35 participants

Join us for this engaging session where we’ll take our newly learned skills around conflict and will apply them to different case scenarios. In this session, we’ll look at:
   -  what conflict is
   - different ways to deal with conflict
   - how conflict arises in different housing settings
   - what policies can support minimizing conflict and, different case scenarios.

Presenters: Chris Whyte, RSW, MSW, Education Consultant
Presented by: Co-operative Housing Federation of BC (CHF BC) 
Category
Applicable to All
Track
Listen + Ask + Interact
When
11/15/2021 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

M04: Building Social Connectedness & Resilience with Seniors

Research points to the negative health impacts of loneliness and social isolation and to the protective influence of social connections. COVID-19 has underscored the importance of social connectedness to the mental health and well-being of people of all ages. For many seniors, COVID-19 has dangerously deepened existing challenges with isolation. Join Brightside Community Homes Foundation, West End Seniors' Network, OpenLab and Hey Neighbour Collective to learn about promising approaches for building social connectedness and resilience in independent seniors housing contexts. We will explore how housing operators can partner with community organizations, how to engage residents in creative programming, and more.

Presenters: Michelle Hoar, SFU; Susan Moore, Brightside Homes; Anthony Kupferschmidt, West End Seniors Network; and Jen Recknagel, OpenLab - University Health Network
Category
Operations
Track
Listen
When
11/15/2021 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

M05: Face 2 Face with Stigma

The Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness invites you to take part in our Face 2 Face with Stigma workshop. Challenge your preconceptions and develop person-first communications tools in this anti-stigma workshop that is inspired, led, developed, and delivered entirely by people with lived experience of substance use, mental health disorders, and homelessness. Together, we use our powerful stories to inspire empathy and compassion, educate, and reduce fear in the community. This is an interactive workshop that will help transform your understanding of, and interactions with, some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

Presenter: Kay Martin, Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness
Category
Operations
Track
Listen + Ask + Interact
When
11/15/2021 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

M06: Overdose Response in Housing in the Midst of COVID-19

During the COVID pandemic, the toxic drug supply in British Columbia claimed more lives than ever before. Overdose deaths are happening in housing: in 2020, 84% of overdose deaths occurred inside, with 28% in social and supportive housing, single-residence occupancies, shelters, and hotels and other indoor locations. Housing providers can and should be working to prevent overdose deaths through training, policies, structural changes and supplies. In this session, you will learn about the latest strategies and resources that will support your teams and the clients you serve. Together we can keep creating safer housing!

Presenters: Wendy Stevens and Shannon Riley, Vancouver Coastal Health
Category
Operations
Track
Listen + Ask
When
11/15/2021 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

M07: Successful Tenanting Strategies for New Buildings

It is important to have a clear strategy for tenanting new affordable housing buildings. Tenanting low-end of market and mixed-income buildings such as those under Community Housing Fund operating agreements require processes that support effective tenanting while avoiding errors that complicate tenancy and income management. This session will share different models for tenanting such as in-house and outsourced approaches, as well as best practices and lessons learned. As more non-profits of different sizes and varying internal capacity prepare to deliver new housing stock, providers need to learn about successful tenanting strategies well before receiving their occupancy permit.

Presenters: Carolina Ibarra, Pacifica Housing and Joy Parsons, Fairhaven Homes Society
Category
Operations
Track
Listen
When
11/15/2021 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

M08: Climate Change - Resilience & Adaptation in Housing

BC Housing's Mobilizing Building Adaptation and Resilience (MBAR) has been leading the way on facilitating and piloting resilient design and renovation of buildings. This process helps building owners to better protect their investments and improves the ability of occupants to respond to anticipated climate change shocks and stresses. This workshop will provide participants with the opportunity to conduct an initial hazard assessment on their building project or participate in assessing another project. Facilitated breakout groups, led by MBAR design experts about practical, will explore cost-effective measures that can be integrated into emerging and existing designs.

Presenters: Wilma Leung, BC Housing Research Centre and Lisa Westerhoff, Integral Group
Category
Asset Management
Track
Listen + Ask + Interact
When
11/15/2021 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Networking Break

Tradeshow & Networking Break

Our lineup of tradeshow exhibitors offers a range of products and services that can make a significant impact on your organization – making your operations more efficient, helping you save energy, improving your services, and boosting your bottom line with savings and increased revenue.
Use this opportunity to explore the exhibitors’ sites and book your meetings with tradeshow representatives during the dedicated conference breaks.
Category
Applicable to All
When
11/15/2021 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Afternoon Plenary

Mid-day Plenary - Keynotes: Lianne Hannaway and Cassie Doyle

This keynote conversation will explore the importance of building diversity and inclusion at the board, leadership and staff levels, followed by a Thought Leaders’ Dialogue that will dive deeper into how these ideas can be implemented within your organization. 
Category
Applicable to All
When
11/15/2021 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

1:00 PM - 1:15 PM

Break

Mid-day Networking break

Category
Applicable to All
When
11/15/2021 1:00 PM - 1:15 PM

1:15 PM - 2:30 PM

Breakout Sessions 2

M09: TL Dialogue: Diversity & Inclusion in Governance

Join Lianne Hannaway and sector board directors for a full exploration of actions boards can take in setting the tone for equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging throughout your organization. Ensuring the province’s housing organizations reflect the people we serve, and the roles we play in upholding and dismantling systems of exclusion, is critical to improving well-being and organizational sustainability. Engage with leaders in the community housing sector as they discuss their organizational journeys toward equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging and what they’ve learned (so far) along the way.

Moderator: Stephanie Allen, BC Housing 
Presenters: : Lianne Hannaway, Wealthnuvo; Cassie Doyle, BC Housing; Jack Wong, Brightside Community Homes Foundation
Category
Leadership
Track
Listen + Ask + Interact
When
11/15/2021 1:15 PM - 2:30 PM

M10: Indigenous Partnerships: Skookum Housing Solutions

Surrey has the largest urban Indigenous population in BC; despite this, it seems they have been invisible to funders. Surrey has 270 Indigenous non-market housing units while Vancouver, with a similar urban Indigenous population, has 1,471 units. At Skookum Lab our goal is to make Surrey a great place to raise an Indigenous child, which led us to consider the need for safe, affordable and culturally relevant housing to support Indigenous families. Skookum’s success comes from its roots in intersectional, decolonized, holistic, relational and reciprocal approaches to research and collaborative action. Join this session to hear about the development of the Skookum Housing Solutions Lab, its challenges and successes.

Presenters: Sheldon Tetreault, Sheldon Tetreault Consulting
Category
Leadership
Track
Listen + Ask
When
11/15/2021 1:15 PM - 2:30 PM

M11: Building Organization Capacity to become a Developer

The Community Housing sector is reaching a size and scale where some organizations are uniquely positioned to become affordable housing developers by acquiring and developing their own real estate assets. In this session,
we will provide an introduction on what it takes to become a not-for-profit affordable housing developer. Learn about proven strategies and how to build the capacity of your organization to ensure a strong start and long-term success.

Presenter: Kira Gerwing, Vancity
Category
Leadership
Track
Listen + Ask
When
11/15/2021 1:15 PM - 2:30 PM

M12: A Path to Accessible Housing: Experiences and Solutions

British Columbians who need affordable wheelchair-accessible housing often wait years to find a suitable home. Some confront the frightening prospect of homelessness. Others are stuck in care facilities or unsuitable housing, denied basic amenities like bathing or the use of a kitchen, or forced to forgo jobs in a community that has no housing vacancies. In this panel discussion participants will hear from wheelchair users about the challenges of living in non-accessible homes, and staff from the Right Fit Program will discuss practical solutions for connecting wheelchair users with accessible units.

Presenters: Isabelle Groc, Disability Alliance BC, and Paul Gauthier, Individualized Funding Resource Centre Society
Category
Operations
Track
Listen + Ask
When
11/15/2021 1:15 PM - 2:30 PM

M13: Implementing the Human Right to Adequate Housing

Representatives of the newly formed Office of the Federal Housing Advocate, located within the Canadian Human Rights Commission, will present an overview of the human right to adequate housing as it relates to international and domestic law and the National Housing Strategy. Representatives will discuss the unique mandate of the Federal Housing Advocate to review and report on systemic housing issues and monitor the progressive realization of the right to adequate housing in Canada. The presenters will engage participants on the opportunities and challenges involved in mainstreaming the implementation of a human rights-based approach into housing policies and programs.

Presenter: Office of the Federal Housing Advocate
Category
Operations
Track
Listen + Ask
When
11/15/2021 1:15 PM - 2:30 PM

M14: Tenant Engagement & Demand Maintenance

This session will focus on ongoing research involving how to empower tenants to make choices over their tenancy through prevention of common demand maintenance issues. The session will be hosted as if the audience walked in on the middle of a focus group meeting with research participants. There will be opportunity for audience members to play the role of research participant and virtually test the tools that will be created for tenants. The presenter will discuss research findings thus far and take questions.

Presenter: Francis Campbell, Capital Region Housing Corporation
Category
Operations
Track
Listen + Ask
When
11/15/2021 1:15 PM - 2:30 PM

M15: Introduction to Capital Planning

Effective capital planning can prepare your organization for the eventual renewal projects your buildings need to keep them in good and safe condition for your tenants. This introductory session is geared towards individuals who are new to capital planning. Join us for an overview of capital planning to learn all the ways it helps your organization, what steps you need to get started, what questions you need to ask and the resources we have to assist you throughout the process.

Presenters: Brian Jung and Gabriel Vieira, BC Non-Profit Housing Association 
Category
Asset Management
Track
Listen + Ask + Interact
When
11/15/2021 1:15 PM - 2:30 PM

M16: Fair Billing Practices and Control Bids

This session will walk participants through an emergency water damage case study with particular attention to: scrutinizing an emergency scope of work and estimate; the importance of obtaining a control bid early in the job for the emergency; how to compare a job scope and estimate between two restoration contractors; effective and timely communication throughout the project; and, comprehensive initial report and setting reserve budget. By the end of this session participants will learn from the experiences of other non-profit housing providers and be able to confidently handle emergency water damage vendors and contracts.

Presenters: Velvet Cates and Rob Alain, Canstar Restorations
Category
Asset Management
Track
Listen + Ask
When
11/15/2021 1:15 PM - 2:30 PM

2:30 PM - 3:15 PM

Tradeshow & Learning Lounges Facilitated Chats

Tradeshow & Learning Lounges Break

Join our topic-focused Learning Lounges to network with leaders and frontline staff and discuss the latest issues facing our sector. Lounges are open throughout the day so that delegates can drop in for live, face-to-face conversations and messaging.
During the afternoon breaks we’ll have a mix of BCNPHA staff and sector leaders facilitating the Learning Lounge discussions – so you can expect a dynamic exchange of ideas!
Category
Applicable to All
When
11/15/2021 2:30 PM - 3:15 PM

3:15 PM - 4:30 PM

Breakout Sessions 3

M17: CMHC INHS: Charting a New Path

Join this informative session that introduces the CMHC INHS team and the expansion of our work to serve both First Nations and Urban and Rural Indigenous housing providers in achieving their housing goals. We will provide a background on the range of programs that the INHS team delivers and how we are embarking on the delivery of the National Housing Strategy for all of our First Nations and Indigenous partners. We will be sharing case studies of projects and capacity building, and inviting our partners to share their experiences with us.

Presenter: Kim MacPherson, CMHC
Category
Leadership
Track
Listen + Ask
When
11/15/2021 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM

M18: Reflecting on Encampments and Human Rights

People without access to safe, stable, and affordable homes will continue to form encampments. This is a critical moment to reflect on how housing solutions can be delivered to reduce the number of unsheltered residents who rely on parks and public spaces for basic shelter and protection. In this session, participants will learn from three communities that have worked through the decampment process by relying on grassroots community support and collaboration with encampment residents, including lessons learned and reflection on the decision-making, construction, and community relationship-building practices that are necessary for respectful decampment.

Presenter: James Forsyth, BC Housing
Category
Leadership
Track
Listen + Ask
When
11/15/2021 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM

M19: Municipal Partnerships to Advance Inclusive Housing

Municipalities have become increasingly active in finding local solutions to our provincial housing shortage. Partnerships with municipalities can provide unique opportunities in the development of inclusive housing. Join Ross Chilton, CLBC’s CEO, and our panel of representatives from service providers and municipalities to hear what has worked for them, how to build municipal relationships, develop a mutually beneficial vision, and achieve desired outcomes. Our panel brings years of experience developing these relationships with key stakeholders and will be haring their experiences and insights during this session.

Presenters: Ross Chilton, CLBC and municipal representatives
Category
Leadership
Track
Listen + Ask
When
11/15/2021 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM

M20: Directors and Officers Liability

Directors and officers liability is a very specialized and detailed coverage line to include in an insurance program. Within the community housing sector, societies require a supportive directors and officers liability policy to cover the day-to-day activities for the board of directors. Join representatives from Marsh Canada for a session with Travelers Canada, who will speak to the specific components to a directors and officers liability policy – and share some claims examples pertinent to the community housing sector.

Presenters: Marsh Canada and Travelers Canada
Category
Operations
Track
Listen + Ask
When
11/15/2021 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM

M21: Setting Professional Boundaries for Frontline Workers

In this session participants will learn the importance of setting professional boundaries as a support for both the client and themselves. We’ll explore a number of specific boundary areas that are critical to doing frontline work safely. Participants will also discuss how to deal with pressure to cross “the line” and examples of assertive communication that establishes clear professional boundaries. 

Presenter: Aaryn Secker, CMHA BC
Category
Operations
Track
Listen + Ask
When
11/15/2021 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM

M22: Understanding First Nations Land Tenure and Financing

Understanding the different types of land tenure on First Nations Reserves and navigating the various types of financing mechanisms can be a complex process. This workshop will focus on identifying the different types of First Nations land tenure and provide insight into financing structures that fit varying First Nations’ needs

Presenter: Michael Sadler, BC Housing
Category
Asset Management
Track
Listen + Ask + Interact
When
11/15/2021 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM

M23: Creating Shared Value with Modular Social Housing

With many communities throughout BC and across Canada in need of efficient and sustainable affordable housing, collaboration and partnership between value-sharing stakeholders is essential in developing housing solutions that help people and communities thrive. In this eye-opening session, hear from representatives from Nomodic (builder) and Fraserside Community Services Society (operator) about the valuable lessons they have learned in building and operating Peterson Place, a modular social housing project in Surrey, BC. Learn how disparate organizations can combine their strengths and work through challenges, including building on an already-occupied site, to deliver social housing solutions that create a culture of belonging.

Presenter: James Broadhead, Nomodic and Lynda Edmonds, Fraserside Community Services Society
Category
Asset Management
Track
Listen + Ask
When
11/15/2021 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM

M24: Apt. 2.0 - Healthy Homes & the Renovation Revolution

Tenant health and comfort is suffering from poor ventilation, overheating, and wildfire smoke due to building/operational challenges that are also driving the climate emergency - but it doesn’t have to be this way. Join our discussion to learn about the "Apt 2.0" approach, which includes strategies that can improve health and comfort and address climate change. By the end of this session, participants will be able to identify ways to make their buildings healthier by improving air quality and helping them to stay cool in hot weather, and understand government and utility funding available for building upgrades. We are at the beginning of a Renovation Revolution and significant funding is available; it is time to transform our buildings, and improve the health of our tenants and the planet.

Presenters: Sofia Marmolejo and Jordan Fisher, FRESCo Engineering
Category
Asset Management
Track
Listen + Ask
When
11/15/2021 3:15 PM - 4:30 PM

4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

CHF BC Breakout Session

M25: How to Use an Anti-racist & Anti-oppression Perspective

Please note that pre-registration is required as this session is limited to 35 participants
In this session, we’ll look at anti-racist/anti-oppression vocabulary and tools to guide your communities when they develop policies and procedures to provide housing and a community that is inclusive.  We’ll also look at how to address racism when it arises in our communities and how to navigate conversations on racism and oppression safely and confidently. 

Presenter: Clint Kuzio, B.Ed., LL.B
Presented by: Co-Operative Housing Federation of BC (CHF BC)
Category
Applicable to All
Track
Listen + Ask + Interact
When
11/15/2021 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM