Round 1: Housing supply challenge

The Data Driven Round is the First Round of the Housing Supply Challenge.

In this phase of the challenge, we’re looking for your proposed data solutions that aim to improve decision-making for housing supply in Canada. We’re looking for solutions that assist policymakers in increasing housing supply at a macro or local level. In this multistage process, you move progressively forward until the final stage in October 2021.

In this first stage, we’re asking you to submit your technology solutions or methodologies that can improve the collection, sharing, analysis and integration, and/or presentation of data. 

If selected, you will receive $100,000 in funding to prototype your solutions for your final submission. Successful proponents will share a pool of $22.5 million in funding to implement their solution. 

Are you looking for general information on the Housing Supply Challenge?

Visit CMHC’s Housing Supply Challenge homepage. 

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• For-profit and not-for-profit organizations
• Indigenous organizations and groups
• Canadian post secondary institutions
• Government (provincial, territorial, municipal, local and regional)
• Teams composed of a variety of participants

*All applicants must be affiliated with a legally incorporated organization

1. October 23, 2020 to January 20, 2021 – Application Intake (Stage 1)

You will develop your initial proposal for a data solution. You are encouraged to form collaborative teams to develop your solution idea for the initial submission.

March 2021 – Up to 25 shortlisted applicants chosen from all applicants

A panel of experts will use the evaluation criteria to assess Stage 1 applications. Up to 25 shortlisted applicants will receive $100,000 each to enter stage 2 – Prototype Development.

2. March 2021 to September 2021 – Prototype Development (Stage 2)

Shortlisted applicants will develop a prototype of their solution for the final submission.

October 2021 – Funding Recipients Announced

Selected solutions for the Data Round will share a pool of $22.5 million in funding. Distribution of the funding will occur through deliverable or milestone-based contribution agreements. This process will ensure the implementation is successful and proposals achieve the expected outcomes.

The primary goal of the round is that decision makers will use the solutions to provide and maintain needed housing supply.

There are 4 objectives for the Data Driven Round:

• Identify and cultivate data solutions that positively impact housing supply that’s affordable and meets people’s needs.
• Provide funding and support to implement and scale the most promising data solutions that target housing supply decision makers.
• Create long-term partnerships to connect data expertise, housing expertise and the communities that can enable housing supply initiatives.
• Create a culture of trust and openness in Canada to encourage the accessibility of housing data for everyone that might benefit from it.

Housing Supply Challenge Support Program

Are you an applicant looking for additional support with your submission? Visit the CMHC Housing Supply Challenge Support Program, run by our partners at Evergreen. They are available to answer any questions about the application process and provide one-on-one support.

The following documents will help you draft and submit your solution. They reside on our partner Impact Canada’s website:

1. Applicant Guide

2. Application Form

3. Frequently Asked Questions

4. Data Industry Map

5. Example Solutions

6. Census Map