The Canadian Government is investing C$10m ($7.06m) in 18 applied research projects that aim to help expedite building more housing and infrastructure across the country.
These projects are designed to provide innovative and practical solutions to improve the living conditions and infrastructure in Canadian communities.
Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, is receiving C$172,400 in federal funding to advance studies in 3D concrete printing technology. This research could lead to more durable housing and infrastructure through large-scale proof-of-concept tests.
Similarly, 5468796 Architecture in Winnipeg, Manitoba, has been granted C$450,000 to explore the potential of under-utilised land and building assets for affordable housing development.
Light House Sustainability, a Vancouver-based advisory company, with C$233,660 in federal funding, is assessing the feasibility of relocating homes to northern regions. This project aims to address the housing crisis in underserved areas by increasing the availability of homes.
In Quebec City, the Vivre en Ville project, with federal support of C$493,007, is creating a tool to help municipalities evaluate urban redevelopment potential, including the transformation of parking lots to curb urban sprawl and increase housing supply.
Other notable projects include the Community-Engaged Homelessness Infrastructure Development Project in British Columbia, which is developing a plan for a Tiny House Community in east Kelowna.
In Toronto, a project focuses on converting nonresidential buildings into new housing to tackle the urban housing shortage, emphasising low-carbon redevelopment.
The Shared Ground initiative in Winnipeg aims to address affordable housing shortages by identifying and utilising land and assets of nongovernment social purpose organisations.
The Research and Knowledge Initiative (RKI) contributions funding programme, launched by Infrastructure Canada in 2019, underpins these projects. The RKI aims to bolster the evidence base on public infrastructure and communities across Canada.
Canada Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Minister Sean Fraser said: "These important projects will support innovative solutions that will help build more critical infrastructure and housing, faster across Canada."
