Q: What were the key themes or priorities discussed at this year’s Congress? 

Efemena: One of the strongest themes was the need for increased funding for affordable and accessible housing. Many attendees were particularly interested in updates on the federal Build Canada Homes initiative and what it will mean for housing providers, including co-operatives. While there is anticipation, detailed information on implementation is expected in the fall of 2026. 

Another major theme was the strong connection between housing, health, and overall well-being. Discussions emphasized that access to stable, affordable housing leads to better health outcomes and longer life expectancy, while homelessness significantly increases vulnerability. This has drawn growing attention from the health sector, but the responsibility does not rest there alone. Housing is a cross-cutting issue that spans all sectors, as it forms the foundation where other rights can be built upon. 

There was also strong interest in knowledge exchange in alternative affordable housing models, such as community land trusts. 

Q: How did Rooftops Canada participate in the Congress? 

Efemena: Rooftops Canada engaged in multiple ways. We hosted a session focused on how local housing strategies can inform and support international approaches. The session sparked meaningful dialogue, with participants asking critical questions about knowledge exchange between Canada and global partners.  

There were also discussions about the paralegal program and how it operates in Uganda. While the model is effective there, it may not be directly transferable to the Canadian context due to stricter regulations around paralegal work. However, this sparked conversations about how elements of the model could still be adapted. For example, within housing co-operatives, there may be opportunities to train members in basic legal knowledge or conflict resolution skills. These individuals could then support mediation in situations such as disputes between residents or advocacy around housing charges (the term used in co-ops instead of rent). 

Beyond presenting, the Congress provided valuable opportunities to connect with housing practitioners from across Canada. These conversations offered insights into regional challenges and solutions —from governance and by-law constraints to community engagement in housing initiatives.  

Networking also allowed us to reconnect with partners and explore collaborations, reinforcing the importance of relationship-building in advancing housing solutions. 

Q: What are some of the latest developments in Canada’s community housing sector? 

Efemena: Several developments stood out. There is growing momentum around the National Housing Strategy 2.0, with broad consultations underway to improve the current framework. Stakeholders are contributing perspectives on what has worked and what needs to change, particularly around long-term support, accessibility, and program delivery.  

At the same time, there is an increasing push for availability and accessibility in housing, especially in response to Canada’s growing and aging population. Accessible housing units remain limited, highlighting the need for both new construction and retrofitting of existing stock.  

Innovative financing approaches, such as community bonds and community land trusts, are also gaining traction as a way to enable communities to invest in and benefit from local housing development.  

Q: Did anything challenge or shift your perspective on housing and international development? 

Efemena: Yes, particularly the perception of co-operative housing. In some contexts, living in co-ops is not always seen as something people take pride in. People are increasingly open to living in co-ops, but many are hesitant for others to know. When this reality remains hidden, it limits broader understanding of why affordable housing deserves to be front and center in public conversations and the advocacy for increased funding. This raises important questions about how affordable housing is understood and valued, both in Canada and globally.  

It also prompted reflection on our work in international development, raising questions about whether similar perceptions exist among our global partners. If people feel this way, how does the narrative shift? 

At the core of our work is the goal of ensuring secure tenure so people can remain in their homes without fear of eviction and achieve long-term affordability in a dignified way. This is what we strive for globally. But if affordable housing may be perceived as something not to take pride in, then it signals a deeper challenge that we need to address. 

Q: What are your key takeaways from the Congress? 

Efemena: One key takeaway is that there is no single solution to the Canadian and global housing crisis. There are many ways to approach affordable housing, and the more we look beyond our own context, the more we can learn. One example is the Killick Ecovillage (the first cohousing community in NFLD), which I connected with during and after the Congress. They have a unique approach to housing affordability, which was inspired by the Low Impact Living Affordable Community (LILAC) in the UK. 

Their vision is a self-sustaining community on 57 acres of land, one that includes shared spaces, natural resources, and strong social connections, much like the community values of co-op. What’s particularly innovative is their financing model: instead of relying solely on government funding, they invite people to become members and invest by contributing a down payment. In some cases, individuals even sell existing homes to buy into the project and gain equity. 

This investment functions somewhat like a loan to the co-housing community, while residents continue making regular payments. When a member decides to leave, they receive the value of their shares back, allowing them to move on with their savings while keeping the home affordable for the next resident. The model blends affordability, community living, and long-term sustainability in a way that challenges more traditional housing approaches.   

This shifts how we think about housing. It’s often seen as just a place to live—affordable, accessible, suitable for seniors, families, single parents, or anyone who needs it, but the idea needs to be more holistic. Affordable housing also means sustainable housing for the future. When we think this way, we can design responsive policies and inclusive implementation plans, where everyone has a role to play, knowing the impact goes beyond them—it’s for generations to come.