Policy

Informing housing solutions through data-driven decision-making

SHS leads housing research and policy development in Canada, working with all levels of government. Specializing in municipal housing strategies, program evaluations, and research on vulnerable populations, we prioritize community engagement to ensure inclusive, effective policies and solutions.

Our Policy Practice Services

Crafting evidence-based housing policies and programs

We specialize in crafting evidence-based housing policies and programs that strengthen housing systems to create affordable, suitable, and adequate housing opportunities for everyone in Canada. Our expertise ensures initiatives are tailored to address community needs based on robust quantitative analysis and engagement with communities and key stakeholders, build on best practices, and draw from decades of historical knowledge of the evolution of Canada’s housing landscape.

Developing comprehensive housing strategies and plans

We develop comprehensive housing strategies and plans for all levels of government, including municipal Housing Strategies and Action Plans, and Housing and Homelessness Plans. Our approach includes setting realistic housing goals, projected targets, and actionable steps to meet community needs. Our housing strategies and plans incorporate contributions from and engagement with people with lived experience and non-profit, for-profit, and public sector players in the housing system.

Illustrating demographic profiles and housing needs

We conduct in-depth housing market, socioeconomic, and demographic analysis, identifying supply and demand gaps. Our work encompasses housing needs assessments, population projections, economic and political trend scanning, and evaluations of demographic and economic indicators to inform strategic decision-making.

Comprehensive housing research

We perform comprehensive literature and best practice reviews on topics related to housing and the social determinants of health. Our secondary research activities provide structured and synthesized summary analyses of existing research, reports, publications, legislation, policies and programs to identify key findings, trends, and gaps. Our research provides a foundation for evidence-based policy development, program design, and decision-making.

Testing housing program feasibility and viability

We assess the financial feasibility and viability of housing programs, incentives, and policy interventions. Our financial analyses test the impact of proposed programs, incentives, and policy interventions on local development markets to ensure that they are economically sound, do not deter development, and can achieve desired outcomes. Our work includes analysis related to policies and programs such as inclusionary zoning, incentive programs and Community Improvement Plans, financial impact and costing of housing supply targets, and the cost of inaction.

Success stories

Metro Vancouver’s Framework for Inclusionary Housing

SHS worked with Metro Vancouver Regional District to undertake an Inclusionary Zoning Policy Review, aiming to create a consistent and adaptable framework for affordable housing policies.

The model offers municipalities a voluntary tool, with recommendations on unit set-aside rates, affordability, incentives, and monitoring processes to support enhanced affordable housing options across the region.

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City of Brampton’s Strategy for Incentivizing Affordable Housing

SHS worked with the City of Brampton to develop a Housing Incentive Program through a city-wide Community Improvement Plan.

The program focuses on attracting diverse affordable housing options and includes financial and non-financial incentives, along with an implementation plan and marketing strategy to support Brampton’s housing goals.

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Tackling Barriers to Affordable Housing in Canada

Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC) engaged SHS to examine systemic barriers within the planning system that hinder affordable housing creation in ten Canadian cities.

The project included hosting roundtable discussions to gather insights from developers and housing advocates, identifying key challenges, and co-designing potential solutions.

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Gravenhurst Housing Needs Assessment Identifies Key Gaps and Action Areas

SHS completed a Housing Needs Assessment for the Town of Gravenhurst to support its goal of fostering diverse housing options in line with its 2023-2027 Strategic Plan. The assessment included demographic and market data analysis, resident surveys, and focus group engagement, identifying key housing gaps and proposing five priority action areas to guide future housing initiatives in the community.

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Developing a Housing Strategy for African Nova Scotians

SHS, in partnership with the Black Planning Project, supported the Nova Scotia Black Community Housing Council with the creation of the African Nova Scotian Housing Strategy, funded by the Province of Nova Scotia and CMHC. The project combined quantitative research with community-led engagement across 52 historical African Nova Scotian communities, involving over 200 participants to develop a comprehensive strategy aimed at addressing housing gaps and needs in the province.

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Nipissing Housing Needs Study: Identifying Gaps and Shaping Strategic Investments

SHS conducted a Housing Needs and Supply Study for the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB), analyzing housing needs and gaps across 11 municipalities and two unincorporated areas. The study identified housing gaps and affordability issues, with input from extensive engagement, including Indigenous consultation, to develop a strategy for prioritizing housing investments and addressing barriers across the district.

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