Housing Archives

Inclusive Housing is Possible – And It’s Happening Across Ontario

by Bambi Pepe | September 2025

Inclusive housing is not a luxury—it’s a right. The Inclusive Housing Network Guide, a resource created by Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) Housing Navigators to support communities, policymakers, and providers in building person-centered housing solutions rooted in equity and choice, reminds us that sustainable, community-integrated housing is not only possible, it’s already happening. This blog continues the conversation at the 2025 Exchange Conference by revisiting key ideas from the breakout session and inviting OMSSA members to lead the next wave of change.

Preserving Affordable Housing Through Municipal Rental Licensing Programs

by Sarah Laisney | September 2025

Rental housing licensing is a proactive, effective and efficient way that local governments can ensure buildings are maintained in a state of good repair. Such programs shift the onus off renters from having to make a complaint in order for their homes to be well maintained. Under this model, landlords must obtain rental housing licenses that are subject to building evaluations and regular health and safety inspections to demonstrate compliance with municipal property standards.

Municipal Policy Tools for Affordable Housing

by Sarah Laisney | July 2025

Canada’s housing and homelessness crisis has greatly impacted renters – in particular those living on lower incomes – resulting in an increase in the number of renters in core housing need, meaning that their housing is unaffordable, in need of major repairs, and/or overcrowded. For the majority of renters, affordability is the primary challenge. The loss of affordable housing options and government retreat from the development and regulation of affordable housing has resulted in an increase in homelessness and housing insecurity across the country.

Ontario’s Trade Dispute Fallout: A Call to Support Urban Indigenous Communities

by The Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) | June 2025

The ongoing trade dispute with the United States is reshaping Ontario’s economy in profound ways. Economists are warning of a troubling mix of inflation and recession. As this crisis deepens, the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres (OFIFC) is calling on all levels of government to include Indigenous voices – including the OFIFC and its network of Friendship Centres – in economic planning and to make strategic investments that prevent further hardship in urban Indigenous communities.

Federal Government Releases Throne Speech

by Darryl Wolk | May 2025

His Majesty King Charles III arrived in Ottawa, along with Queen Camilla, to open the 45th Parliament of Canada with a Speech from the Throne. The speech is intended to set the tone and direction of the Federal Government for the legislative session ahead.

Read more about OMSSA’s observations and comments on the Throne Speech.

Prime Minister Selects New Federal Cabinet

by Darryl Wolk | May 2025

Prime Minister Carney revealed his Cabinet after winning the 2025 Canadian Federal Election. He has signaled the top priorities of his Cabinet will be to reduce inter-provincial trade barriers and introduce a middle-class tax cut ahead of Canada Day. Tariffs and the...

An Interview with Katherine Chislett

by Rob Kirsic | February 2025

From 2017 to 2024, Katherine Chislett served as Commissioner of Community and Health Services for York Region and as President of Housing York, Inc., overseeing a $1 billion budget, 3,000 staff, and more than 300 programs that support York Region’s residents. Katherine’s focus on integrated service management and her dedication to equity and inclusion have enriched the lives of over 1.2 million residents.

She is also the recipient of the 2024 OMSSA Lifetime Achievement Award. OMSSA sat down with Katherine for an interview to discuss her work and career and thoughts on human services in Ontario.

An Interview with Gail Spencer

by Rob Kirsic | January 2025

Gail Spencer, Manager of Housing Stability and Homelessness for the City of Greater Sudbury, spearheaded community and provincial initiatives, developing a roadmap for a responsive, integrated human service system for the unhoused population and programs aiming to end homelessness.

She is also the recipient of the 2024 OMSSA Patti Moore Human Services Integration Award. OMSSA sat down with Gail for an interview to discuss her work and career and thoughts on human services in Ontario.

Highlights of the 2024 Exchange Conference

by Nalisha Sankreacha | August 2024

Over 400 people from the human services, health, child care, and public services participated in OMSSA’s in-person Exchange Conference held on May 7 and 8 in Mississauga. Over these two days there was an opportunity to focus on several important professional development topics, enhance skill sets, and showcase the innovative work happening in each of our sectors to address the most pressing issues in our local communities. Read more about the highlights of our most recent Conference.

Region of Durham Adult Protective Services: Innovative Partnerships and Housing Stability

by Region of Durham | August 2024

OMSSA is featuring several 2023 Local Municipal Champion award recipients and their work in the Knowledge Exchange Blog. Please read this entry from the Region of Durham.

The Adult Protective Services (APS) team provides case management and advocacy for over 300 adults with developmental disabilities living in the community. Clients of the APS program are those with mild developmental/intellectual disabilities that can often ‘fall-through-the-cracks’ and can represent some of our most vulnerable citizens in the community.