National Housing Day: Innovative Housing Solutions 2026- Call for Proposals Now Open!

The Rural Development Network (RDN) is pleased to host a full-day virtual conference in celebration of National Housing Day 2026. This national event will highlight the people, ideas, and innovations shaping the future of housing in Canada.

The conference will showcase groundbreaking solutions and collaborative efforts that are transforming communities and addressing the housing crisis across the country. Participants will explore bold policies, creative building methods, community-led initiatives, and data-driven strategies that advance affordable, inclusive, and sustainable housing in urban, rural, remote, and Indigenous communities.

RDN invites proposals from across Canada that highlight forward-thinking initiatives, research, and success stories contributing to affordable, inclusive, and sustainable housing.

Thursday, February 12 – Friday, March 27, 2026 (midnight)

1. Policy & Governance Innovations

• Progressive housing policies, bylaws, zoning changes, or land-use strategies
• Data-driven approaches to housing and land-based decision-making
• Demonstrated return on investment (ROI) or social impact outcomes
  

2. Built Environment & Housing Solutions

• Retrofit and renewal strategies for existing housing stock
• Modular, prefabricated, or alternative building methods
• Climate-resilient and energy-efficient housing approaches
  

3. Community-Led & Social Innovation

• Social enterprises or community-owned housing models
• Cross-sector partnerships and collaborative frameworks
• Indigenous-led housing initiatives and land-based approaches
  

4. Equity, Inclusion & Population-Specific Approaches

• Housing solutions supporting newcomers and immigrants
• Initiatives serving vulnerable populations, including seniors, youth, and people experiencing homelessness
• Culturally responsive housing for diverse and equity-deserving groups
  

5. Technology & Data

• Technology-enabled housing solutions
• Use of data, analytics, or digital tools to improve planning, delivery, or outcomes

We welcome submissions from:

• Researchers and academics
• Non-profit and community organizations
• Municipal, provincial, and federal governments
• Indigenous governments and organizations
• Housing providers, developers, and social enterprises
• Community leaders and practitioners
  

• Share your work with a national audience
• Inspire collaboration and knowledge exchange
• Contribute to practical solutions for Canada’s housing challenges
• Be part of a growing movement for housing innovation and systems change

Proposals may be submitted for one of the following formats:

• Individual Presentation (30 minutes, including Q&A)
• Panel Discussion (60 minutes, multiple presenters)
• Case Study or Practice Spotlight -focused, applied example (30 minutes, including Q&A)
  

Final formats and session lengths will be confirmed by conference organizers

Submission Requirements

Proposals must include:

• Presentation title
• Presenter(s) name(s), role(s), and organization(s)
• Session format (presentation, panel, case study)
• Abstract (300–500 words) including:
  • Initiative, research, or approach
  • Key outcomes or lessons learned
  • Relevance to conference themes
• Target audience
• Geographic context (urban, rural, remote, Indigenous, national)

Please note: you will need a Gmail address to fill out the Call for proposal.

Registration will open in August 2026

If you have any questions please contact info@ruraldevelopment.ca