CitySpaces was pleased to present and attend CHRA’s (Canada Housing and Renewal Association) 2015 congress on housing and homelessness in Winnipeg. Many great sessions were offered, including mobile learning tours highlighting innovative housing solutions in Winnipeg. CHRA also launched the Housing For All campaign by sharing a powerful video explaining the social housing crisis in Canada (see it here).
CitySpaces’ Housing and Social Policy Planner, Jada Basi, delivered 3 session presentations to over 300 congress delegates from across Canada. Her first presentation was to the Aboriginal Caucus, providing a brief overview of the Expiring Operating Agreements Planning Guide prepared by CitySpaces for clients BCNPHA and BC Housing. Jada co-presented the second and third presentations with BCNPHA and BC Housing, providing a more detailed step-by-step overview of the guide.
Delegates spoke to the widespread national application of the Expiring Operating Agreements Planning Guide, and the practical strategies for urban, rural and Aboriginal communities. We heard from municipal representatives, federal and provincial governments, and housing societies on the relevancy and importance of this guide to help societies and communities strategically plan for the future. It was a big hit! Thanks to all delegates who attended and participated in the post-session discussions!
We captured the event through photos below. You can check out Jada Basi’s presentation here, and also download the Expiring Operating Agreements Planning Guide over at the BC Non-Profit Housing Association site.
The Aboriginal Caucus meets to discuss Aboriginal housing issues, trends and future directions. Jada Basi of CitySpaces delivered a brief presentation to the group on the Expiring Operating Agreements Planning Guide:
CitySpaces joined other delegates to tour Winnipeg’s Social Enterprise Centre – a repurposed warehouse turned social purpose real estate that builds community capacity through poverty reduction programs, education, and co-location of non-profit organizations in a unique collaborative environment:
CHRA Dinner at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. A chance for delegates to network and share stories in an inspirational venue:
Jada co-presented a detailed overview of the Expiring Operating Agreements Planning Guide to a large room of delegates. The next day, the room was filled with local dancers to invoke an upbeat attitude towards making social impact:
CitySpaces toured housing innovations for new immigrants and refugees in Winnipeg. Three different sites were visited, including a mixed-use church with permanent affordable housing units:
A chatty crowd right before Jada’s third and final presentation on the Expiring Operating Agreements Planning Guide. Several delegates attended the session twice! :
Sunny and friendly Winnipeg displayed its character during the congress. With a very young demographic, the city is animated by energy and ideas of the next generation. We also couldn’t help but be drawn to the awesome infill potential of the city, both in the downtown core and in mature neighbourhoods. We stumbled upon a few laneway homes – great to see! Public displays of art were also exceptional:
