ONPHA Opening Doors Podcast

Today, housing providers are being asked to do more with less, while costs continue to rise faster than the municipal tax base can sustain. In this episode of Opening Doors, host Marlene Coffey is joined by Karen Nesbitt (AMO) and Aaron Stauch (OMSSA) for a candid conversation on what it will take to better align housing across all levels of government. Together, they unpack the growing pressures facing community housing, the limits of relying on property taxes alone, and why stronger coordin...

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 extend...

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 ac...

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 por...

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 be...

Ontario’s new purchasing rules bring big challenges for non-profits, including more reporting, stricter compliance, and supply chain scrutiny. But the right supplier partnerships can make it easier. In this episode of ONPHA's Opening Doors podcast, special guest David Rourke, Principal of Round Table Procurement Services, shares insights on how strategic supplier partnerships can simplify compliance, streamline operations, and reduce stress. Discover how to navigate these changes and d...

In this episode of ONPHA's Opening Doors podcast, we discuss the launch of the LEMR Housing Monitor, a centralized data mapping tool that provides information on the low-end of the market housing stock in urban regions across Canada. Special guests Daniel Liadsky, Managing Director at Purpose Analytics, and Megan Earle, Data Scientist at Canadian Centre for Housing Rights, join Marlene Coffey, CEO of ONPHA, to talk about why this tool matters, how we can use it to make a difference, and what ...

In this episode of the ONPHA Opening Doors podcast, we're joined by David Rourke, Principal at Round Table Procurement Services. David shares his wealth of knowledge on smart procurement, the value of shared services for housing providers, and the benefits of the ONPHA Enterprise procurement program.