We’re just six weeks away from the 2026 CHRA Congress, where close to 600 housers will take over downtown St. John’s!

This year, we’re adding some new events and changing up some old favourites. We’re so proud of the Congress program and we can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on! Read on to learn more about what you can expect at the 2026 Congress.

 

Pre-Congress: April 20

Indigenous Innovation Forum

The Indigenous Innovation Forum (IIF) is entering its fourth year at the CHRA Congress, and it continues to evolve. IIF has become a flagship Congress event, offering space for shared learning, dialogue, and reflection on the future of Indigenous housing.

This event offers a variety of sessions, valuable insights, and learning opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants alike. Join us this year to enjoy sessions on research and data, development and construction, and Indigenous youth housing.

 

Pre-Congress courses

Our Pre-Congress courses are offered in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Housing Canada. These courses take a deep dive into relevant and timely topics for housing providers. Register for a full- or half-day course to learn about:

Policy Essentials: Tools, Templates & Strategies for Housing Providers (full day). Strong internal policies can help organizations make consistent, transparent decisions, yet many providers lack the time, tools, or processes to develop them effectively. Join this workshop to receive a practical, applied introduction to building stronger internal policy capacity. Using current research, collaborative exercises, and simple planning tools, participants will learn how to create clear policies, engage the right people, and support organizational change.

Arts-Based Methods for Housing Research (half-day, AM). Learn about arts-based methods as a decolonial, participatory mode of research engagement. You’ll gain knowledge about integrating arts-based methods into future or ongoing research designs; including in data collection and/or in knowledge mobilization phases; get practical tips about researcher-artist collaborations and participant engagement; and practice articulating the value of arts-based methods for housing research, including for your own upcoming grant-writing and knowledge mobilization work.

Advocacy Matters: Making Your Voice Count in Housing Policy (half-day, PM). Advocacy is not an “extra” activity; it is a core part of sustaining strong housing organizations, and securing the resources needed to do the job well. This half-day workshop offers a practical and engaging introduction to advocacy for housing providers. Participants will explore why advocacy matters to the work they do and how even small, strategic actions can influence public policy, program design, and funding decisions.

Register for both half-day courses and get a discount!

 

Congress Programming: April 21-22

Congress Sessions

This year’s Congress sessions will examine cutting edge initiatives, partnerships, and programs that are bringing the community housing sector into the future. Join our expert speakers to explore topics including:

• scaling up housing development,
• inclusive housing solutions,
• equity in housing,
• change management and organizational sustainability,
• creative funding solutions,
• innovative partnerships,
• supportive housing development and programs,
• advocacy,
• supporting successful tenancies, and more.

We’re also proud to host the third annual Black Caucus exchange at Congress and the second annual Supportive Housing Provider Caucus. These spaces bring opportunities for learning, collaboration, networking, and more.

Mobile Tours

Our mobile tours will give you a unique perspective on housing initiatives in St. John’s. Tour facilities and visit housing providers that are leading change and serving their communities including:

• The Housing Centre - Connections for Seniors
• Transforming Non-Profit Housing in St. John’s: Delivering Deep Energy Retrofits Through Integrated Project Delivery
• Killick Ecovillage
• Horizons at 106
• Pleasantville Housing & Supports Tour
• A Community Led Portfolio Approach

New in 2026 - Rise & Shine: Morning Walk/Run (April 22). Start your day with fresh sea air, friends, and a burst of energy. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a casual walker, this is your chance to move, connect, and feel amazing with other housers in a fun, relaxed setting.

Learn more about the Congress program.

 

Special Events

Keynotes. This year’s Opening Keynote Speaker is Dr. Andrew Boozary, primary care physician, policy practitioner, researcher, and founding executive director of the Gattuso Centre for Social Medicine at the University Health Network. As the driving force behind Dunn House, Canada’s first social medicine housing initiative, he has been a leader in integrating health care and housing to address the social determinants of health.

Day two: Join Build Canada Homes CEO Ana Bailão and CHRA Executive Director Ray Sullivan for a fireside chat to kick off the last day of Congress 2026! Ana Bailão is a prominent leader in housing policy and public affairs, with extensive experience in municipal government and a proven track record in advancing affordable and sustainable development. She has been instrumental in catalyzing public and private partnerships within the housing sector and has been driving innovative solutions to the housing challenges Canadians are facing.

CHRA Awards presentation. Join us to celebrate our 2026 award recipients for:

• Outstanding Program or Initiative: Organization
• Outstanding Development: Organization
• Indigenous Cultural Sustainability: Organization
• Leadership: Individual

Indigenous Caucus Social & Networking. Come together with members of the Indigenous Caucus for an evening of socializing and networking on Sunday, April 19. This event is open to all who purchase a ticket upon registration.

Rally in the Alley. George Street is the vibrant heart of St. John’s, Newfoundland. Known for its lively atmosphere and rich cultural heritage, George Street boasts North America’s highest concentration of bars and pubs, each offering a uniquely local experience. Guests will be immersed in a series of engaging cultural activities, including live traditional music, storytelling, and dancing.

New for 2026: Beers with Queers and Black Caucus Link Up. Both events are free to attend and take place immediately before Rally in the Alley.

Learn more about Congress special events.

 

Tradeshow

This year, the CHRA Tradeshow will take place on both Congress days! Connect with businesses, suppliers, service providers, and sector partners that can assist your organization with property management, finance, operations, and browse the local makers’ booths!

Learn more about our Tradeshow exhibitors and sponsors.

 

Visit the Congress website to learn more and register.