Housing Assessment Resource Tools (HART) Project

Launched in 2022, the Housing Assessment Resource Tools (HART) project has created 3 evidence-based tools and information and training to improve housing supply decision-making across Canada.

Project scope and expected outcomes

As part of the 2019 National Housing Strategy Act, Canada is committed to reducing core housing need by 530,000 households within a decade. Since it launched in 2022, the HART project has been instrumental in providing valuable data and insights to drive progress towards this goal. The project is centered around 3 evidence-based tools designed to help governments in progressively identifying and achieving core housing need targets.

The HART tool kit: the 3 evidence-based tools

Housing Needs Assessment Tool: This online tool automatically generates housing needs assessments for every community in Canada using Statistics Canada data sets. It provides essential data on core housing need segmented by income, household size, tenure and priority population.

Using the Housing Needs Assessment Tool, communities can more effectively track and evaluate programs, understand their unique challenges, and address their housing needs.

Land Assessment Tool: This tool identifies, maps and scores suitable government-owned land for affordable housing based on proximity to key amenities and infrastructure. It underlines the importance of collaboration in successful housing decision-making and encourages the development of complete and sustainable communities close to transit, amenities and services.

Because this tool assesses both vacant and underutilized land, it uncovers opportunities for co-development that are often overlooked in other assessments.

Property Acquisitions Tool: This policy-based tool helps prevent the loss of affordable housing through property acquisition by governments, non-profit housing providers and community land trusts. It comprises 3 elements:

• a map and summary of global acquisition strategies
• a comprehensive research report on property acquisitions
• six how-to guides for communities to address declining affordability

Synergy in action — how the HART tools work together

The HART tools are designed to work together to:

• identify populations in need of housing
• determine required affordability
• pinpoint ideal locations for new housing
• provide regulatory tools to preserve existing housing

The HART project’s set of tools has been widely adopted to:

• develop housing needs assessments
• bridge housing gaps
• maintain affordability

The tools accurately identify where housing is needed, enabling governments to address supply gaps strategically.

Amplifying impact and reach

The HART project has completed over 200 activities to reach out and engage diverse groups, demonstrating the project’s wide reach. These include:

• advocacy organizations
• industry professionals
• media channels
• government agencies
• researchers

Partners have acknowledged HART for:

• providing a consistent framework for Land Assessments and Housing Needs Assessments at the municipal and regional levels
• supplying accurate data to buttress evidence-based housing advocacy
• offering viable options to prioritize affordable housing projects

The HART project demonstrates the transformative results that are possible when innovation, technology and collaboration unite. By shaping policy and advocating for improved outcomes, the HART project is making a tangible impact. It has become a valuable resource in developing solutions for a more balanced and affordable housing supply across Canada.