Blueprint for Growth: Innovation in Housing

DIGITAL

*Winner - Best Tech Podcast - 2025 Quill Podcast Awards* British Columbia is experiencing an unprecedented housing crisis. While addressing various aspects of the housing supply chain is essential, no single approach can fully solve the challenges we face in scaling housing production. So, what's the blueprint for growth? In November 2023, DIGITAL — Canada's Global Innovation Cluster for digital technologies — launched its Housing Growth Innovation Program with support from the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs. The program brings together collaborative teams of industry leaders to accelerate technology-driven approaches that are driving real, tangible growth for British Columbia's housing production sector. Amy Vilis, Director of Housing Growth Innovation at DIGITAL, chats with innovators doing groundbreaking work within DIGITAL's Housing Growth Innovation Program to develop and implement technology-based solutions within British Columbia's housing sector across the full scale of end-to-end production. These conversations showcase how ideas are making it into the real world where they can become comprehensive, viable and, best of all, achievable solutions to accelerate housing production for British Columbians.

  1. Building The Construction Talent Pipeline

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    Building The Construction Talent Pipeline

    The Government of Canada estimates 700,000 skilled trades workers will retire between 2019 and 2028. This void needs to be filled fast if Canada is going to meet its ambitious housing construction targets. But are enough young people entering the trades, and will they develop their skills fast enough to replenish the lifetimes of knowledge being lost? In this episode of Hard Hats & High Tech, we’re talking to people actively working to solve our country’s construction labour pains. What will it take to attract new talent so we can build the housing we need? Are outdated processes getting in the way of progress? Meet Our Guests in Order of Appearance  Kevin Brittleton, Field Operations Manager, Ventana ConstructionAmy Vilis, Director of Housing Growth Innovation, DIGITAL John Reid, Co-Founder, Faber Connect This episode is brought to you by Faber Connect–a two-sided marketplace platform where construction workers connect with construction gigs in their area while learning new skills and exploring different career pathways. Through the mobile app, construction workers can see project information, company reviews and how much a gig pays. Construction companies can see worker reviews and whether the worker’s skills match the project’s needs. Faber is often described as “Uber for trades,” but there’s a big difference: workers can set their own rates and pick and choose the gigs they want, whenever they want them. Faber will soon be adding training opportunities to its platform, with support from DIGITAL’s Housing Growth Innovation Program. Learn more about Faber at faberconnect.com   About your Host Don Shafer, PhD, is an award winning broadcaster, veteran media executive, and recipient of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He holds a PhD in Social Justice, bringing a rare blend of industry expertise and academic insight to the evolving media landscape. Additional Resources from this Episode We've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list: CIMM - Labour Shortages - November 25, 2024 (Government of Canada, 2024)Housing shortages in Canada: Updating how much housing we need by 2030 (CMHC, 2023)Canada facing construction and skilled trades worker shortage (CTV Your Morning, 2025)Blueprint for Growth: Innovation in Housing (DIGITAL, 2025)Credits Host: Don Shafer, PhDGuests: Kevin Brittleton, Amy Vilis, John ReidSenior Writer / Showrunner: Jessica Grajczyk Audio Producer: John MasecarExecutive Producer: Jennifer Smith #podcast #construction #technology

    50 phút
  2. Trailer: Building The Construction Talent Pipeline

    ĐOẠN PHIM QUẢNG CÁO CỦA TẬP PHIM 8, PHẦN 2

    Trailer: Building The Construction Talent Pipeline

    The Government of Canada estimates 700,000 skilled trades workers will retire between 2019 and 2028. This void needs to be filled fast if Canada is going to meet its ambitious housing construction targets. But are enough young people entering the trades, and will they develop their skills fast enough to replenish the lifetimes of knowledge being lost? In this episode of Hard Hats & High Tech, we’re talking to people actively working to solve our country’s construction labour pains. What will it take to attract new talent so we can build the housing we need? Are outdated processes getting in the way of progress? Meet Our Guests in Order of Appearance  Kevin Brittleton, Field Operations Manager, Ventana ConstructionAmy Vilis, Director of Housing Growth Innovation, DIGITAL John Reid, Co-Founder, Faber ConnectThis episode is brought to you by Faber Connect–a two-sided marketplace platform where construction workers connect with construction gigs in their area while learning new skills and exploring different career pathways. Through the mobile app, construction workers can see project information, company reviews and how much a gig pays. Construction companies can see worker reviews and whether the worker’s skills match the project’s needs. Faber is often described as “Uber for trades,” but there’s a big difference: workers can set their own rates and pick and choose the gigs they want, whenever they want them. Faber will soon be adding training opportunities to its platform, with support from DIGITAL’s Housing Growth Innovation Program. Learn more about Faber at faberconnect.com   About your Host Don Shafer, PhD, is an award winning broadcaster, veteran media executive, and recipient of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He holds a PhD in Social Justice, bringing a rare blend of industry expertise and academic insight to the evolving media landscape. Additional Resources from this Episode We've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list: CIMM - Labour Shortages - November 25, 2024 (Government of Canada, 2024)Housing shortages in Canada: Updating how much housing we need by 2030 (CMHC, 2023)Canada facing construction and skilled trades worker shortage (CTV Your Morning, 2025)Blueprint for Growth: Innovation in Housing (DIGITAL, 2025) Credits Host: Don Shafer, PhD Guests: Kevin Brittleton, Amy Vilis, John Reid Senior Writer / Showrunner: Jessica Grajczyk  Audio Producer: John Masecar Executive Producer: Jennifer Smith #podcast #faberconnects #labour #construction

    2 phút
  3. Building Communities in B.C. with Minister Christine Boyle

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    Building Communities in B.C. with Minister Christine Boyle

    Season 2 Episode 7 - Building Communities in B.C. with Minister Christine Boyle In this episode of Blueprint for Growth: Innovation and Housing, host Amy Vilis sits down with the Hon. Christine Boyle. This conversation explores the innovative approaches to housing development in British Columbia, focusing on the integration of digital technology, partnerships, and streamlined processes to enhance housing delivery. Minister Christine Boyle shares insights from her journey in local government to her current role, emphasizing the importance of community-centered housing solutions and collaboration across sectors. The discussion highlights key initiatives like the Building Permit Hub and DASH, which aim to improve efficiency and affordability in housing construction. #InnovationInHousing #ModernMethodsOfConstruction #MMC #DigitalHousing #HousingDelivery #WorkforceTransformation #IndigenousLedHousing #PublicPrivateCollaboration #Digitalbackbone

    26 phút
  4. DASH Transforming housing delivery through digital, data and design standards

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    DASH Transforming housing delivery through digital, data and design standards

    Season 2 Episode 6 - DASH Transforming housing delivery through digital, data and design standards In this episode of Blueprint for Growth: Innovation and Housing, host Amy Vilis explores how DASH: Digitally Accelerated Standardized Housing is transforming the Canadian housing lifecycle through digital standards, modular design, and advanced technology.  Joined by Esther de Vos, Executive Director of Research at BC Housing, and Franck Murat, architect and senior advisor at Aliova Consulting, the discussion highlights how DASH unites prefabrication, BIM, open data, regulatory streamlining, and permit-ready workflows to make housing faster, fairer, and more affordable. From connecting regulators and builders through shared digital models to creating long-term data-driven management systems, Esther and Franck show how collaboration, standardized tools, and open frameworks are building a scalable foundation for a more efficient, resilient, and inclusive housing sector across Canada. Sources: BC Housing  Introducing DASH - Digitally Accelerated Standardized Housing #InnovationInHousing #ModernMethodsOfConstruction #MMC #DigitalHousing #HousingDelivery #WorkforceTransformation #IndigenousLedHousing #PublicPrivateCollaboration #Digitalbackbone

    32 phút
  5. Indigenous Led Development & The Future of Housing

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    Indigenous Led Development & The Future of Housing

    Season 2 Episode 5 - Indigenous Led Development & The Future of Housing Innovation in housing isn’t just about new tools — it’s about leadership, partnership, and solutions rooted in community needs. In this episode of Blueprint for Growth: Innovation and Housing, host Amy Vilis speaks with Robin Billy, an Indigenous leader driving transformative approaches to First Nations housing and infrastructure. Next, she speaks with Neil Prakash, Principal at Prakash Architecture, whose climate-resilient, digitally enabled design work is helping communities turn vision into buildable reality. Together, they show how Indigenous-led authority, digital workflows, mass timber, modular construction, and strong cross-sector partnerships can accelerate building, strengthen local economies, and ensure homes truly reflect the people they’re meant for. Sources: CBC News: The National - Wilson Williams Squamish Leader Canada’s largest Indigenous-led housing project underway in Vancouver #InnovationInHousing #ModernMethodsOfConstruction #MMC #DigitalHousing #HousingDelivery #WorkforceTransformation #IndigenousLedHousing #PublicPrivateCollaboration #Digitalbackbone

    29 phút
  6. Tech, Trades & Workforce Transformation in Housing

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    Tech, Trades & Workforce Transformation in Housing

    Season 2 Episode 4 - Tech, Trades & Workforce Transformation in Housing In this episode of Blueprint for Growth: Innovation and Housing, host Amy Vilis explores how Canada’s construction workforce is evolving as digital tools, new training models, and shifting labour markets reshape how homes get built.  John Reid, co-founder of Faber Technologies, shares how micro-credentials, gig-based hiring platforms, and accessible tech are helping tens of thousands of tradespeople upskill, move between projects, and access better opportunities across North America.  Ellen Hlozan, Director of Strategic Alliances at Trax, brings a regulatory perspective—showing how standardized digital systems and AI-enabled tools can streamline permitting and help officials make faster, more confident decisions. Together, they reveal why the future of housing depends on people just as much as technology—and how collaboration between industry and government can build a more adaptive, tech-ready workforce capable of meeting Canada’s housing demands. Sources: How AI Will Transform Construction #InnovationInHousing #ModernMethodsOfConstruction #MMC #DigitalHousing #HousingDelivery #WorkforceTransformation #IndigenousLedHousing #PublicPrivateCollaboration #Digitalbackbone

    31 phút
  7. Accelerating Digital Adoption & Streamlining Regulations

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    Accelerating Digital Adoption & Streamlining Regulations

    Season 2 Episode 3 - Accelerating Digital Adoption & Streamlining Regulations In this episode of Blueprint for Growth: Innovation and Housing, host Amy Vilis explores how cities and tech leaders are modernizing the systems that govern how homes get approved, reviewed, and delivered.  Rene Cravioto shares how Vancouver is shifting from paper-based permitting to standardized, digital workflows—highlighting the real-world complexities of multi-team reviews, digitizing bylaws, and building machine-readable rules that enable faster, more predictable services. Zane Franzen brings a private-sector lens, showing how better data, AI-driven tools, and integrated systems (from BIM to APIs to automation) can increase transparency, reduce friction, and connect long-fragmented workflows across government and industry. Sources: Why Digital Integration is KEY to the Future of Social Housing #InnovationInHousing #ModernMethodsOfConstruction #MMC #DigitalHousing #HousingDelivery #WorkforceTransformation #IndigenousLedHousing #PublicPrivateCollaboration #Digitalbackbone

    36 phút
  8. Innovation in On-Site, Off-Site, and Digital Construction

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    Innovation in On-Site, Off-Site, and Digital Construction

    Season 2 Episode 2 - Innovation in On-Site, Off-Site, and Digital Construction On this episode of Blueprint for Growth: Innovation in Housing, host Amy Vilis sits down with two leaders turning housing innovation from buzzword to real-world impact.  Beau Jarvis, President & CEO of Wesgroup Properties, breaks down how traditional construction is evolving through digital bolt-ons like robotics, 3D modeling, and automated fabrication. Kathy Hogeveen, COO of Assembly Corp, reveals how integrating design, manufacturing, and supply chains can unlock speed, precision, and affordability at scale. Together, they make a powerful case for Canada’s future: innovation isn’t old vs. new—it’s alignment. When government, industry, and communities collaborate around shared digital standards and smarter policy, we can finally build the housing Canadians need. Sources:  The Future of Digitalization and Automation in Construction - Buildings Canada The Future of Digitalization and Automation in Construction Jenco Improves Collaboration, Reduces Rework, and Accelerates Schedules with Dusty - Dusty RoboticsJenco Improves Collaboration, Reduces Rework, and Accelerates Schedules with Dusty #InnovationInHousing #ModernMethodsOfConstruction #MMC #DigitalHousing #HousingDelivery #WorkforceTransformation #IndigenousLedHousing #PublicPrivateCollaboration #Digitalbackbone

    28 phút
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Trailers

Giới Thiệu

*Winner - Best Tech Podcast - 2025 Quill Podcast Awards* British Columbia is experiencing an unprecedented housing crisis. While addressing various aspects of the housing supply chain is essential, no single approach can fully solve the challenges we face in scaling housing production. So, what's the blueprint for growth? In November 2023, DIGITAL — Canada's Global Innovation Cluster for digital technologies — launched its Housing Growth Innovation Program with support from the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs. The program brings together collaborative teams of industry leaders to accelerate technology-driven approaches that are driving real, tangible growth for British Columbia's housing production sector. Amy Vilis, Director of Housing Growth Innovation at DIGITAL, chats with innovators doing groundbreaking work within DIGITAL's Housing Growth Innovation Program to develop and implement technology-based solutions within British Columbia's housing sector across the full scale of end-to-end production. These conversations showcase how ideas are making it into the real world where they can become comprehensive, viable and, best of all, achievable solutions to accelerate housing production for British Columbians.

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