ONPHA Opening Doors Podcast

ONPHA
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Join us as we explore the world of #affordablehousing, discussing important topics, sharing insights, and highlighting inspiring stories from the sector. Whether you're a housing professional, advocate, or simply interested in learning more about affordable housing, this podcast is for you!

  1. JAN 12

    S3E2 - Innovating Aging in Place: Integrated Models for Supporting Seniors

    As Ontario’s population ages, housing providers play an increasingly critical role in enabling seniors to age at home with dignity, stability, and a strong sense of community. We showcase how the Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation (TSHC), in collaboration with sector leaders such as ONPHA and AdvantAge Ontario, is driving innovative and integrated approaches to meet this growing need. In this episode, we draw on global best practices and real-world experiences to explore solutions for extending independent living. We cover neighbourhood-based care, peer-led supports, and adaptive technologies while examining the implementation of the Integrated Service Model to support 15,000 seniors to thrive. Hosted by:  🎙️ Andrew McKenzie, Director of Operations, Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association Featuring Special Guests:  🗣️ Adam Fraser, Data Analyst and Researcher, Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association  🗣️ Lisa Levin, CEO, AdvantAge Ontario  🗣️ Deanna Veltri, Director, Engagement, Partnership and Communications, Toronto Seniors Housing Corporation

    58 min

  2. 11/27/2025

    S3E1 - Made in Housing: Building Economic and Social Sustainability in Community Housing

    Community housing is more than a safety net, it’s a powerful engine for economic efficiency, social mobility, and inclusive city-building. As Ontario faces a growing housing crisis, doubling the community housing stock is not just necessary—it’s economically sound. In this premiere episode, we explore the macroeconomic rationale for large-scale investment in community housing, while also reimagining it as a launchpad for thriving, equitable communities. Hosted by: 🎙️ Andrew McKenzie, Director of Operations, Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association Featuring Special Guests: 🗣️ Sean Baird, President & CEO, Toronto Community Housing Corporation 🗣️ Stéphane Giguère, CEO, Ottawa Community Housing

    1h 3m

  3. 05/22/2025

    S2E7 - Managing Procurement Amid US Tariffs

    In this episode of the Opening Doors podcast, Andrew McKenzie, ONPHA’s Director of Operations, and David Rourke, Principal at Round Table Procurement Services and director of the ONPHA Enterprise purchasing program, discuss the impact of US tariffs on community housing. David shares strategies like analyzing supply chains, negotiating prices, and prioritizing Canadian suppliers to mitigate reliance on imports. Learn how ONPHA Enterprise offers expert procurement guidance and resources and access to preferred suppliers for ONPHA Members to navigate current economic challenges.

    25 min

  4. 05/15/2025

    S2E6 - Post-election pulse: Impacts, insights, and housing priorities

    Our latest ONPHA Opening Doors podcast is a must for community housing leaders and advocates. Join Marlene Coffey (ONPHA), alongside special guests Keith Hambly (Fred Victor), Mwarigha (WoodGreen Community Housing), and Adam Sweedland (CityHousing Hamilton), with Alex Armanious of StrategyCorp moderating. Together, they dive into the federal election’s impact, unpack ONPHA’s Build, Protect, and Support strategy, and share insights to strengthen the sector and address Canada’s housing crisis.

    1h 8m

  5. 04/10/2025

    S2E5 - Avoiding the Fangs: A Guide to Unlocking Property Tax Savings

    In this episode of ONPHA Opening Doors, we’re tackling Avoiding the Fangs: A Guide to Unlocking Property Tax Savings. Ever seen those dreaded fangs on your financial chart when expenses outpace revenue, and those red lines look like they’re ready to take a bite out of your budget? Fear not! Join us as we learn how to unlock savings.  In 2022, Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation (CCOC) secured property tax reductions through the provincial superior court, saving millions across its portfolio and evading those menacing fangs! Property taxes can be a significant burden on non-profit housing budgets, especially after end-of-mortgage (EOM). While recent amendments to the Housing Services Act, 2011 allow service managers to approve tax reductions under new service agreements, these approvals are not guaranteed.  Learning from CCOC’s success, we’ll dive into how your organization could secure substantial tax savings, guided by two experts who made it happen: Sarah Button, Executive Director of CCOC, and Maryse Martin, Finance Director of CCOC. They’ll walk us through where to begin your tax reduction journey, a detailed step-by-step process, how long it typically takes, the effects on tenants like the Ontario Trillium Benefit (OTB) and more, and what to expect when working with service managers—from repayment of savings to negotiating new agreements.  Don’t miss this opportunity to gain essential insights, banish those fangs, and take control of your property tax expenses!

    45 min

  6. 02/27/2025

    S2E4 - Where do we go from here? Implementing effective inclusion strategies

    Explore the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in community housing. Led by ONPHA’s Reaching Equity Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) committee, this episode moves beyond simply addressing challenges, focusing instead on paving the way for tangible, actionable progress in the sector. Special guests Shaun Simms, Chief, People, Communications and Strategy Officer at Ottawa Community Housing Corporation, Marcel Greaux, President & CEO of Planexa Labs, Catharine Vandelinde, Executive Director of Options Housing, and Andrew McKenzie, Director of Operations at Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association, share their insights on advancing DEI within the sector. Discover strategies to foster inclusivity in leadership, support diverse tenants, and build partnerships that honor community diversity.

    1h 17m

  7. 02/13/2025

    S2E3 - How to drive housing change now and beyond the election

    The provincial election is a crucial moment for affordable housing advocacy, but the work doesn’t stop when the votes are counted.  In this episode of ONPHA's Opening Doors Podcast, we’re joined by Liam Thompson, Consultant at StrategyCorp Inc., ONPHA’s long-time advocacy partner, to explore how ONPHA gathers intelligence, engages decision-makers, and drives change. Get inspired with practical ways to advocate at the local level, influence housing policy, and build momentum that lasts beyond the election. Whether you’re a large or small housing provider, advocate, or community leader, this conversation will equip you to make an impact.

    31 min

  8. 01/08/2025

    S2E02 - Streamlining your housing operations with technology

    Unlock the full potential of technology in community housing and confront the challenges head-on. In this episode of ONPHA's Opening Doors podcast, special guests Peter Altobelli, Vice President/General Manager of Sales at Yardi Systems Inc., Chris Dulny, Chief Digital, Data, and Innovation Officer at PwC Canada, and Deanna Veltri, Senior Manager at Deloitte Canada, share their insights on leveraging tech trends to transform community housing. Discover how technology can be a game-changer for community housing—driving efficiency, improving services, and enhancing tenant experiences.

    1h 3m
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About

Join us as we explore the world of #affordablehousing, discussing important topics, sharing insights, and highlighting inspiring stories from the sector. Whether you're a housing professional, advocate, or simply interested in learning more about affordable housing, this podcast is for you!

Information

  • Creator
    ONPHA
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 ONPHA Opening Doors Podcast
  • Show Website
    ONPHA Opening Doors Podcast