More Than Modular: Seminar Series Recordings Now Available
CHRA’s More Than Modular: Modern Methods of Construction for Non-Market Housing seminar series is now available to watch on demand.
This four-part series brought together sector leaders, practitioners, and experts to explore how modern methods of construction (MMC) — including modular, prefabrication, and innovative building approaches — can help accelerate the delivery of non-market housing across Canada.
Across the series, sessions examined key considerations such as policy and procurement, project delivery, and real-world applications, offering practical insights to support housing providers, developers, and decision-makers.
Whether you joined us live or are discovering the series for the first time, you can now access all four sessions at your convenience.
Watch the full series:
MMC Series description
More than Modular: Modern Methods of Construction for Non-Market Housing
Build Canada Homes is preparing to make major investments in new non-market housing supply that leverages Modern Methods of Construction (MMC).
CHRA and the Chartered Institute of Housing Canada will host an integrated series of four seminars on February 3, 10, 17, 24, 2026, with curriculum informed by expert advisors at Cahdco and the University of New Brunswick Off-site Construction Research Centre.
This four-part online training series will give community housing professionals the knowledge and confidence to integrate MMC into multi-residential developments.
You must be a 2026 CHRA member to qualify for free registration.
About the Series
- Four live 90-minute online seminars
- February 3, 10, 17, and 24, 2026 — 1:00–2:30 p.m. ET
- Integrated curriculum designed for non-market housing developers
- Expert instruction from leaders in modular, panelized, volumetric, and mass-timber construction
- Micro-credential: Participants who attend all four sessions and complete the learning evaluation will receive a Chartered Institute of Housing Canada micro-credential
Seminar Overview
Session 1 — Pre-Fab 101: Foundations
Tuesday, February 3 — 1:00–2:30 p.m. ET
Kick off the series with a clear, accessible introduction to MMC—what it is, why it matters, and how it fits within the affordable housing development lifecycle.
You will learn how to:
- Recognize core MMC concepts, terminology, and value propositions
- Understand the structure and scope of the full training series
- Refresh foundational development concepts (feasibility, budgets, timelines, early decision points)
- Identify where MMC opportunities align with Build Canada Homes eligibility
- Review successful non-profit MMC projects and their cost, speed, and energy-efficiency advantages
- Preview how MMC decisions evolve across design, pre-construction, and project delivery
Session 2 — Pre-Construction: Evaluating MMC Technologies
Tuesday, February 10 — 1:00–2:30 p.m. ET
This session unpacks the major MMC technologies and how they influence procurement, design, engineering, contracting, and timelines.
Topics include:
- Procurement guidance: selecting manufacturers, integrating design teams early, anticipating lead times
- Volumetric modular: opportunities, constraints, precision requirements, permitting considerations
- Panelization systems: structural roles, envelope performance, and hybrid approaches
- Mass timber: flexibility, fire code compliance, acoustics, supply chain and pricing realities
Session 3 — Design with Intention: Integrating MMC into Site & Program Planning
Tuesday, February 17 — 1:00–2:30 p.m. ET
Learn how MMC choices shape early site planning, tenant-focused design, and community-driven housing outcomes.
Topics include:
- Site planning requirements: access, staging, cranes, transport routes, and municipal review processes
- CSA A277 certification and code compliance across regions
- Indigenous-led housing approaches aligned with culture, land, and community priorities
- Supportive housing design considerations: durability, acoustics, privacy, operational needs
Session 4 — Time & Money: Financing, Scheduling, and Managing MMC Projects
Tuesday, February 24 — 1:00–2:30 p.m. ET
Discover the financial, contractual, and logistical implications of delivering multi-residential housing using MMC.
Topics include:
- Cost structures, financing impacts, and unique MMC sequencing
- Contracting requirements: CCDC considerations, insurance needs, guarantees, lender requirements
- Monitoring and site-visit protocols for factory-based production
- Replicability and portfolio-wide efficiencies
- Supply-chain realities: Canadian manufacturing capacity, lead times, and regional constraints
Registration
- Free for CHRA members and CIH Canada members
- $385 for non-members