Practice Areas

Our work across the housing system is focused on three key practice areas: Policy and Research, Housing Development, and Business Model Innovation. Through these areas of work, we help our public, non-profit, and private sector clients answer complex questions about the housing needs in their communities, build social purpose real estate, and envision alternative futures for their organization.

Policy and Research

SHS Consulting is one of Canada's leading firms in housing research and the development of housing policy at all levels of government. Since its inception, SHS has undertaken a wide range of studies for the federal government, provincial departments and more than 50 municipalities across Canada on issues addressing the full range of needs across the housing continuum. A particular specialty of SHS is the preparation of comprehensive municipal housing strategies which includes a comprehensive analysis of housing demand and supply and the identification of policies, programs and strategies for addressing the gaps in supply identified by the analysis.

SHS has also undertaken program evaluations, operational reviews, surveys, portfolio strategies, financial analysis, end of operating agreement reviews, studies on vulnerable populations, research on seniors housing issues, and program design. A major feature of all work carried out at SHS is a strong commitment to community engagement to ensure all voices are heard in the development of policies and programs.
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Featured Projects

How might we create more housing units that would accommodate low- and moderate-income households in Richmond Hill through a multi-pronged strategy and through partnership with other levels of government, developers, landowners and residents?

The purpose of the project was to develop a “made for Richmond Hill” Affordable Housing Strategy. To achieve this objective, we provided analysis to determine the supply and need for affordable housing, and a clear understanding of the barriers to its provision (including the cost of development). We also provided an “assessment report” to support the development of inclusionary zoning policies and zoning by-law.

We provided recommendations regarding what more the City could do to ensure that affordable housing is available within Richmond Hill. These recommendations included: policy, regulation, incentives (monetary or otherwise), other measures, etc. A guide that will assist developers in understanding how they can provide affordable housing in Richmond Hill was also developed.

The City of Richmond Hill Affordable Housing Strategy

City of Richmond Hill

How might we transform affordable housing in Alberta to better support housing for Albertans in need, balancing financial sustainability with growing demand?

This project was undertaken over three months and involved extensive desk research to identify overall housing needs throughout the province as well as an environmental scan to identify options for addressing these needs, including potential roles for the Province. The environmental scan included a scan of best and promising practices in Canada, the United States, Europe, and Australia. The key findings from this research was presented on a weekly basis to the Expert Panel and informed the final recommendations. The work also included a total of 44 engagement sessions and interviews conducted with a total of 96 organizations and over 150 participants. An opportunity for online submissions was also provided and the Panel received a total of 124 submissions. The work culminated in the Final Report of the Expert Panel, which was delivered in early October 2020 and contained 19 recommendations aimed at helping the government redefine its role in affordable housing, tap into community expertise, expand partnerships, reward innovation and simplify the system. All 19 recommendations were accepted by the government.

SHS’s work on this project provides in-depth insight into the current and recommended role of the Government of Alberta in affordable housing, the approaches that have been recommended to realize this changing role, the network of key stakeholders providing input, best practice examples from other jurisdictions, sources of data, senior Department resources and other key aspects important to the success of the next stage of the Transformation process.

Alberta Review to Transform Affordable Housing

Alberta Social Housing Corporation

How might we understand the current and emerging housing market in preparation for anticipated changes in provincial legislation?

The purpose of this study was to update the Moncton Housing Needs Assessment (2017) to reflect the current housing conditions in the City of Moncton using the most up-to-date data and information available. The results of the study also provided the City with a better understanding of the current and emerging housing market in preparation for anticipated changes in provincial legislation. The primary goal of this study was to identify the housing requirements in the City of Moncton based on current housing supply and demand and estimate future housing supply and demand, with a focus on housing gaps across the housing continuum.

SHS’s work on this project provides in-depth insight into the current and recommended role of the Government of Alberta in affordable housing, the approaches that have been recommended to realize this changing role, the network of key stakeholders providing input, best practice examples from other jurisdictions, sources of data, senior Department resources and other key aspects important to the success of the next stage of the Transformation process.

Housing Needs Assessment Update

City of Moncton

Other Projects

Housing Options for People Living with Dementia

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Housing and Homelessness Plan Renewal and Housing Strategy

Region of Peel