About the Conference

The EMHE Affordable Housing Conference is a transformative gathering designed to address the importance of safe housing, family stability, mental wellness, community development, and economic empowerment. The conference brings together policymakers, community leaders, nonprofit organizations, educators, healthcare professionals, faith-based institutions, investors, and families to discuss practical solutions that create sustainable and thriving communities.

Housing is a global challenge, and the crisis is most acute in the Global South, where rapid urbanization, population growth, and large housing deficits demand urgent, localized, and actionable solutions. Conferences and convenings worldwide are increasingly prioritizing these realities, focusing on upgrading informal settlements, unlocking inclusive financing models, promoting sustainable building technologies, and designing policy frameworks that stimulate public-private partnerships. The EMHE Affordable Housing Conference embraces this global perspective, recognizing that the challenges and innovations emerging from cities across Africa, Asia, and Latin America offer valuable lessons for housing advocates everywhere.

The conference emphasizes that a home is more than shelter—it is the foundation of dignity, security, education, health, and economic growth. Through keynote sessions, panel discussions, workshops, networking forums, and community engagement activities, participants will collaborate on strategies that improve housing accessibility, strengthen families, and empower underserved populations.

Addressing the Housing Crisis in Canada and Beyond

Key themes that will be explored at this year’s conference include informal settlement transformation, which focuses on strategies for in-situ community upgrading, participatory planning, and integrating basic infrastructure such as water, sanitation, and power without displacing residents. Alternative and scalable housing finance will be examined through overcoming barriers to traditional mortgages via micro-finance, savings and credit integrations, and innovative rent-to-own schemes designed for low-income and informal economy workers.

Green and climate-resilient building will be addressed through utilizing sustainable, locally sourced materials, prefabricated construction, and climate-adaptive designs to lower costs while protecting vulnerable communities from extreme weather. Land tenure and administration will be discussed in terms of reforming complex land rights and implementing policies that prevent land speculation while securing tenure for those in need. Public-private partnerships will be explored through designing frameworks where governments subsidize infrastructure and land, allowing private developers and investors to scale the construction of affordable housing units.

Major global and regional convenings continue to shape agendas that reflect these realities. Whether your focus is policy formulation, real estate development, or community-level advocacy, we invite you to join us in shaping a future where safe, dignified, and sustainable housing is a reality for all.

Why Attend

Our conference is designed to bring together the full spectrum of housing professionals, from the boardroom to the building site, from policy halls to community centers. Whether you are a developer, investor, policymaker, advocate, or academic, this event offers practical insights and meaningful connections tailored to your role.

Developers and Homebuilders – If you are on the front lines of construction and development, you will walk away with a deeper understanding of zoning reforms, innovative building strategies, and how to structure successful public-private partnerships that get projects off the ground.

Investors and Lenders – For those with capital to deploy, this conference is your opportunity to explore project funding pipelines, understand complex capital stacks, and learn about bond funding, tax credits, and other financing mechanisms that make affordable housing viable.

Policymakers and Government Officials – If you shape housing policy at the municipal, provincial, or federal level, you will engage in critical conversations about community development, infrastructure frameworks, and the regulatory reforms needed to unlock housing at scale.

Nonprofits and Advocates – For mission-driven organizations, this is a space to network with like-minded partners, access grant opportunities, and amplify your voice in the affordable housing conversation.

Academics and Campus Planners – Those involved in workforce and student housing will find dedicated sessions exploring the unique challenges and solutions for housing the next generation of students and workers.

What makes the EMHE Affordable Housing Conference truly unique is our holistic approach.
While many events focus narrowly on finance or policy, we bring together the entire housing ecosystem under one roof. Our three-day program is carefully curated to bridge the gap between global trends and local action, between innovative financing and on-the-ground implementation, and between policy vision and community reality.

Attendees will not only gain access to world-class speakers and thought leaders but will also participate in interactive workshops, strategy sessions, and networking forums designed to turn ideas into action. Whether you are exploring climate resilient building materials, seeking partners for a new development, or shaping the next generation of housing policy, this conference provides the platform, the people, and the practical tools you need to make a lasting impact.

We also place a strong emphasis on actionable outcomes. Our third day is dedicated entirely to the presentation of action plans, commitment announcements, and partnership building. This ensures that every participant leaves not just inspired, but equipped with concrete next steps.

Invited Speakers

Romy Bowers
President and CEO, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.

Leading CMHC’s national housing strategy and affordability initiatives.

Topic: National Housing Framework

Tim Richter
President and CEO, Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness

Advocacy and systems change for housing first and homelessness prevention.

Topic: Ending Chronic Homelessness

Steve Pomeroy

Senior Research Fellow, Carleton University and Focus Consulting

Policy advisor and housing economist with 40+ years experience.

Topic: Affordable Housing Finance

Carolyn Whitzman
Professor and Housing Researcher, University of Ottawa

Expert in housing policy, inclusionary zoning, and community planning.

Topic: Inclusionary Planning Tools

Margaret Pfoh
CEO, Aboriginal Housing Management Association

Advancing Indigenous housing self-determination and culturally supportive models.

Topic: Indigenous Housing Leadership

Michael Brooks
CEO, Real Property Association of Canada

Representing Canada’s major real estate owners and investors.

Topic: Public-Private Partnerships

Agenda

Day 1 – Welcome and Vision for Community Transformation

November 25, 2026

• Morning sessions include registration and networking breakfast, opening ceremony, welcome address by the conference chairperson, and the keynote speech titled “Why Home Matters: Housing as the Foundation of Human Dignity.”
• Afternoon sessions feature a panel discussion on “Affordable Housing Challenges in Modern Cities,” a workshop on “Building Partnerships for Community Development,” and a lunch and networking session.
• The evening concludes with a cultural showcase and welcome reception.

Day 2 – Solutions, Innovation and Empowerment

November 26, 2026

• Morning activities include a leadership breakfast and keynote session on “Innovative Housing Policies and Economic Inclusion,” followed by breakout sessions covering mental health and family stability, youth and education support programs, veterans housing assistance, faith-based community outreach, and technology and smart housing solutions.
• Afternoon sessions include vendor exhibitions, a community resource fair, and networking roundtables.
• The evening features an awards gala and recognition ceremony.

Day 3 – Action Plans and Future Commitments

• November 27, 2026
• Morning sessions include an inspirational address titled “Creating Hope Through Community Action” and interactive strategy workshops.
• Afternoon sessions feature the presentation of action plans, commitment and partnership announcements, and the closing ceremony.

Venue – Pillar and Post Inn

48 John Street West, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

• The Pillar and Post Inn provides an ideal setting for this transformative gathering with its world-class facilities and convenient location in the heart of Ontario’s beautiful wine country. The venue offers comprehensive amenities including complimentary Wi-Fi, on-site dining options, and accessible meeting spaces designed to facilitate meaningful dialogue and networking.
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• The venue is easily accessible from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). Ample complimentary parking is available for attendees. Niagara-on-the-Lake offers world-class wineries, heritage charm, and breathtaking views that make it an excellent destination for international and domestic visitors alike.