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Housing Solutions Lab

Project Overview

Social isolation, housing affordability and climate change are all growing issues on the North Shore, and across Canada. More than half of single detached homes in Canada are occupied by only one or two people, and older adults represent a large portion of this. Despite many homeowners being interested in renting out secondary suites or sharing their homes with others, uptake remains low due to diverse barriers.

SFU’s Housing Solutions Lab aims to co-create a roadmap for solutions that build social connection, address housing affordability, offer options for aging in place and positively benefit the climate.

You’ll be able to learn more by reading the full project scope here. Recent media of the Housing Solutions Lab includes coverage including Global News and the North Shore News.

For more information, please get in touch with Rebekah Parker (rebekah_parker@sfu.ca) at Renewable Cities. 

Project Phases

Phase One
(Fall 2022)

Phase Two
(Winter 2022-23)

Phase Three
(Spring 2023)

Phase Four
(Fall 2023)

Phase Five
(Winter 2023-24)

Journey Ground Truthing
Scoping and framing the issues, and developing the project charter.

Discovering Home
Conducting exploratory research and journey mapping to understand stakeholder perspectives.

Exploring our Future
Collaborating with stakeholders to co-develop potential solutions.

Fording Pathways
Adding granularity to solutions, putting together a cost-benefit analysis to assess feasibility of interventions.

Road Mapping
Key stakeholder engagement to share findings and accelerate diffusion.

ADVISORY BOARD

Margaret Coates, Lionsview Seniors’ Planning Society | Coordinator/Executive Director
Margaret Coates, Lionsview Seniors’ Planning Society | Coordinator/Executive Director
Barry Goodwin, Lionsview Seniors’ Planning Society Board, Metro Vancouver Alliance Strategy Team
Barry Goodwin, Lionsview Seniors’ Planning Society Board, Metro Vancouver Alliance Strategy Team
Ashley Grewal, Vancity Credit Union | Manager, Community Investment Operations
Ashley Grewal, Vancity Credit Union | Manager, Community Investment Operations
Cindy Moran, BC Housing | Senior Researcher, Technical Research and Education
Cindy Moran, BC Housing | Senior Researcher, Technical Research and Education
Kendra Taylor, City of North Vancouver | Planner, MCIP, RPP
Kendra Taylor, City of North Vancouver | Planner, MCIP, RPP
Alison Silgardo, Seniors Services Society of BC | Chief Executive Officer
Alison Silgardo, Seniors Services Society of BC | Chief Executive Officer

PROJECT TEAM

Leanne Sawatzky headshot wearing a black blazer, brown hair, and blue patterned shirt
Leanne Sawatzky, Renewable Cities | Executive Director (Interim)
Leya Eguchi – Director of Family Programs, Regenerative Finance, Hollyburn Community Services Society | Project Manager
Susan Wilcockson - Hollyburn Community Services Society | Program Manager: Specialized Victim Support & Seniors Housing
Rebekah Parker —Renewable Cities | Program and Engagement Coordinator
Rebekah Parker —Renewable Cities | Program and Engagement Coordinator

Stay updated with us!

Sign up for project updates, invitations to workshops, and more ways to participate. 

NEWS & EVENTS