ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2026

May 28–30, 2026 | Saint John, NB

PRESENTING SPONSOR

The Co-operators is proud to sponsor the 2026 NBNPHA Annual Conference, reflecting our commitment to building a resilient and sustainable society. As a Canadian co-operative dedicated to financial security and community well-being, we support initiatives that foster collaboration and innovation in addressing housing challenges. This conference aligns with our values of responsibility, inclusion, and integrity, and we are honoured to contribute to meaningful dialogue and solutions for affordable housing in New Brunswick.

A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The New Brunswick Non-Profit Housing Association's Annual Conference brings together housing providers, sector leaders, government partners, and community organizations from across the province to learn, collaborate, and explore solutions to the challenges and opportunities facing community housing today.

Building on our theme, Foundations for Growth, the 2026 conference will focus on strengthening the non-profit and co-operative housing sector through knowledge sharing, partnership building, innovation, and practical strategies for sustainable growth. As housing needs continue to evolve across New Brunswick, the importance of coming together to exchange ideas and learn from one another has never been greater.

Attendees can look forward to engaging keynote speakers, interactive workshops, thought-provoking discussions, and valuable networking opportunities designed to support the important work of providing safe, stable, and affordable housing in our communities.

At NBNPHA, we are committed to supporting our members through advocacy, education, collaboration, and sector development. This conference is an opportunity to connect with colleagues, gain new insights, and help shape the future of community housing in New Brunswick.

Peter Corbyn, P.Eng.
Executive Director, New Brunswick Non-Profit Housing Association

"Nonprofit housing, everything that we do, it comes back to taking care of Mother Earth. We call the earth our mother. Mother Earth sustains us."

Opening the Conference with Reflection and Reconciliation

The 2026 NBNPHA Conference opened with a land acknowledgement delivered by Tyler Patterson, followed by a welcome and prayer from Elder Donna Augustine of Elsipogtog First Nation. Together, they reminded participants that conversations about housing are inseparable from conversations about land, community, belonging, and our shared responsibilities to one another.

Drawing on Indigenous teachings, Elder Donna spoke about stewardship, reconciliation, and the importance of caring for both people and the land. Her message encouraged attendees to view housing not simply as buildings, but as part of a broader commitment to community wellbeing, respect, and connection.

A SECTOR AT A TURNING POINT

Tom Mann challenged participants to recognize the unique moment facing New Brunswick's nonprofit housing sector. With significant new investments, ambitious housing targets, and growing community need, he emphasized that the sector has an opportunity—and responsibility—to think bigger, work together, and build the capacity needed to deliver lasting impact.

His remarks encouraged attendees to look beyond organizational boundaries, focus on shared goals, and embrace the partnerships necessary to create more housing, strengthen communities, and meet the challenges ahead.

"With new investments, ambitious housing targets, and growing community need, the nonprofit housing sector has a rare opportunity to lead. The challenge now is building the partnerships, capacity, and momentum needed to turn that opportunity into homes."

2025-2026 ANNUAL REPORT

The Annual Report Live session brought members together to celebrate the achievements, milestones, and collective impact of the past year. Through stories, highlights, and reflections, attendees explored how the nonprofit housing sector continues to strengthen communities, support tenants, and expand housing opportunities across New Brunswick.

More than a review of accomplishments, the session served as a reminder that the work of creating safe, affordable, and inclusive housing is powered by the dedication of organizations, staff, volunteers, and partners across the province. Together, members reflected on progress made, recognized emerging opportunities, and looked ahead to the work still to come.

“The work of creating safe, affordable, and inclusive housing is powered by the dedication of organizations, staff, volunteers, and partners across New Brunswick.”

Learn more

LIGHTNING TALKS

Strong Foundations, Sustainable Futures, Lisa Ker

LISA KER
Strong governance is essential to sustainable growth in the non-profit housing sector. This lightning talk will explore practical tools and emerging supports related to board recruitment, governance development, organizational coaching, and long-term planning, helping organizations build the leadership, capacity, and partnerships needed to navigate an increasingly complex housing landscape.
Mergers

KIT HICKEY
Collaboration and consolidation are becoming important conversations within the non-profit housing sector. This talk will open the door to examining the opportunities and challenges associated with mergers, shared services, and organizational partnerships, with a focus on sustainability, capacity-building, and preserving community impact.
HOME-RL Study

JULIA WOODHALL-MELNIK
HOME-RL is partnering with NBNPHA to explore ways to support the long-term sustainability and growth of NB’s non-profit and co-operative housing sector. This talk will introduce the project, outline opportunities for member participation throughout the conference and beyond, and share plans to present the study’s findings at next year’s conference.
TENANT RESOURCES

ANDREA ANNE
An overview of tenant and community resources available to support housing stability, with reflections on collaboration, barriers, and the growing need for wrap-around supports within New Brunswick communities.
ENGAGING YOUNGER PEOPLE

DENVER BORELAND
The future of the non-profit housing sector depends on engaging the next generation of leaders, staff, volunteers, tenants, and advocates. This talk will introduce strategies for connecting with younger people and encouraging meaningful participation in governance, leadership, and community building.
MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAM

GUY GRAVELLE
This lightning talk will introduce the emerging NBNPHA Member Benefits Program and efforts to build partnerships that support New Brunswick’s non-profit and co-operative housing sector through preferred pricing, discounts, and affinity partnerships.

World Café: Conversations That Spark Action

The World Café is an interactive networking and learning experience designed to connect participants around the issues shaping community housing in New Brunswick. Choose from more than 20 facilitated discussion topics and join fellow housing providers, sector experts, and partners in exploring challenges, sharing solutions, and generating ideas that can help strengthen the sector. It's a chance to learn, collaborate, and contribute to conversations that can inspire action long after the conference ends.

GOLD SPONSORS

Get It Together: the creative and radical collaborations we need to meet the housing crisis

Sarah is the Executive Director of Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation, a non-profit housing provider with a mixed-income portfolio of over 1700 homes. Her collaborative and mission-driven leadership approach resonates with folks beyond Ottawa, and in her talk she will share reflections on her organization’s 50 years of growth, where they’re going next, and the strategies she’s pursuing to help get there. CCOC is deeply committed to their community of tenants, partners, and supporters, and Sarah’s talk will also discuss the evolving ecosystem of partnerships needed to sustain organizational growth. Incorporating CCOC’s experience with a recent amalgamation, emerging collaboration frameworks, and specific examples of organizational integration from across the country, Sarah hopes to convey the possibility and potential of working together – even more than we already are.

Sarah’s 20-year career in affordable housing development, delivery, planning, and policy, spans the public, private, and non-profit sectors in Canada and the UK. She holds degrees in communications, architecture, and urban planning, and is a Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Chartered Institute of Housing. She is a passionate advocate for non-profit rental housing, and thinks complex problems are best solved by folks with different perspectives working together to change the system. Sarah believes that affordable housing should be the easiest thing to build, everywhere and always.

SPECIAL GUESTS

GREG HEMMINGS, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Greg is the founder of Hemmings House Pictures, a Saint John-based certified B-Corporation known for impactful storytelling that inspires social change. Through documentaries, television, and film, Greg and his team create work that fosters connection, dialogue, and community impact. His achievements include multiple industry awards, an honorary doctorate from the University of New Brunswick, and recognition as a leader in socially conscious filmmaking. Beyond his work, Greg is a mentor, speaker, musician, and community advocate dedicated to building a kinder world.

MOVIE SHOWING: WHAT WE DREAMED OF THEN

A passionate swim coach and dedicated father navigates the turbulent reality of invisible homelessness when he is forced to live out of his van. Taylor Olson’s WHAT WE DREAMED OF THEN sensitively examines the isolation and delirium of hidden homelessness while exploring the compounding effects of small acts of kindness.

STEVE FOSTER, PRODUCER

Steve is a Canadian film and television producer and CEO and Partner at Hemmings Films. With more than 20 years in the entertainment industry, he has worked on a range of successful television productions, including Race Against the Tide, Cubicle to the Cage, and Revival. Steve combines creative storytelling with strong industry leadership and currently serves as President of Media NB, where he advocates for growth and collaboration within New Brunswick’s media sector. He is also passionate about mentoring emerging talent and supporting community development.

SILVER SPONSORS

FRIDAY, MAY 29TH

BUILD CANADA HOMES AND HNB FUNDING

Build Canada Homes and Housing NB announced a combined investment of $210 Million towards building 1,200 non-profit and co-op housing units over the next two years.

Charlie Aucoin, Director of Partnerships at Build Canada Homes

Charlie Aucoin, MBA, CRF, is Director of Partnerships – Atlantic with Build Canada Homes, where he works collaboratively with government, non-profit, and private sector partners to advance housing solutions and strengthen community impact across Atlantic Canada. With a background in partnership development, fundraising, and strategic collaboration, Charlie is passionate about building connections that help organizations navigate complex housing challenges and scale meaningful solutions.

Jennifer Ross, Director of Federal Provincial Relations and Innovation at Housing NB

Jennifer brings more than fifteen years of progressive leadership experience within housing, social development, and public administration in New Brunswick. Jennifer leads Housing NB’s federal provincial relations and innovation agenda, strengthening partnerships, advancing strategic initiatives, and supporting the development of forward-looking housing solutions that respond to the evolving needs of New Brunswickers.

REGIONAL MEETINGS

An opportunity for members within each region to come together to share experiences, raise local priorities, and discuss key issues impacting their work. Regional meetings help strengthen communication, collaboration, and representation across the sector.

WORKSHOPS

Development Process

This interactive workshop leads participants through the development process. The group exercise breaks down projects into four phases: feasibility, design development, construction, and property management. Note this workshop covers two sessions – 1:10 to 2:40 and 2:55 to 3:50 PM.

Michael Norris, CHF

Michael is a passionate community developer and co-operative strategist dedicated to building sustainable, livable communities across Canada. With 7 years of experience in co-op and capital project development, Michael has supported the establishment of over a hundred co-op development projects, with 3,000 units under construction or completed. Michael's social infrastructure experience extends beyond housing, having established Southern Ontario's first French-language university and established the first Indigenous consumer co-operative on James Bay. Michael is committed to community service and volunteers as Secretary of the Canadian Community Economic Development Network and Treasurer of ACFO Hamilton. In his spare time, he enjoys cycling, playing hockey, and exploring the outdoors.

Alix Aylen, CHF

Alix Aylen brings a strong background in community and non-market housing, as well as a deep commitment to the co-operative principles, to CHF Canada. Alix holds a master’s degree in planning and has extensive experience in her recent role as Project Lead, Social Purpose Real Estate at the University of Toronto’s Infrastructure Institute. She has been instrumental in developing a capacity-building and training program to support the pre-development work of over 30 nonprofit organizations in Ontario. Alix’s work in financial feasibility analysis, partnership identification, and strategic planning will be invaluable as we work to expand co-op housing across the country. Alix also serves as a board member with the Kensington Market Community Land Trust, where she has been directly involved in acquiring, developing, and operating community and non-market housing in downtown Toronto. Alix is a strong advocate for partnership-driven approaches to housing development, a perspective that resonates deeply with our value of inclusivity at CHF Canada. Her combined expertise in project management and community housing development will strengthen our team’s efforts to achieve our vision of Co-op Housing for All.

Demystifying Mergers

A growing number of NBNPHA members want to learn more about merging, amalgamating, and consolidating due to board recruitment and operational challenges. This conversational, participant-driven session will cover everything you want to know about how to move toward greater integration with another organization (but were afraid to ask). Your candid questions will shape the discussion: from frameworks and key questions to honest reflections and lessons learned, come hear from folks who’ve been there.

Sarah Button, Executive Director, Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation

Sarah’s 20-year career in affordable housing development, delivery, planning, and policy, spans the public, private, and non-profit sectors in Canada and the UK. She holds degrees in communications, architecture, and urban planning, and is a Member of the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Chartered Institute of Housing. She is a passionate advocate for non-profit rental housing, and thinks complex problems are best solved by folks with different perspectives working together to change the system. Sarah believes that affordable housing should be the easiest thing to build, everywhere and always.

Kit Hickey, Executive Director, Housing Alternatives Inc.

Kit has spent her career tirelessly advocating for co-op and non-profit housing. Her passion is development however she is qualified in all aspects of management including human resource management, accounting, business planning and government relations. Kit is the past President of the New Brunswick Non-Profit Housing Association, Treasurer of the local chapter of the Women's Empowerment Network, member of the Housing Working Group of the Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative, and Secretary/Treasurer of the board of The One Change Inc. among others.

Bryn Ferris, Founder, Inspirit Labs

Bryn has spent more than two decades working in innovation, collaboration, and human-centred design. A graduate of UNB’s Renaissance College, he has worked in Africa, Asia, and across North America on community-oriented projects, focused on building connections and resiliency in our communities and institutions. Over the course of the National Housing Strategy, he has served as Solutions Lab consultant on 11 different national CMHC Housing Solutions Labs – many of which centred around how community housing providers can pursue partnerships, mergers, and bundling of their assets to increase their impact (and sustain their work). He now lives in Ottawa with his partner and their adorable cat Earl Grey.

Strong Foundations, Sustainable Futures

Community housing organizations across New Brunswick are navigating increasing pressure, new opportunities, and growing operational complexity. Sustainable growth requires more than ambition alone. It requires strong governance, resilient leadership, practical systems, and organizations built to last. This interactive workshop invites participants to explore the evolving journey of non-profit housing organizations, from strengthening governance foundations to preparing for greater complexity and growth.

Chris Boudreau

Chris Boudreau is a senior IT and operations executive that brings decades of experience in strategy, process optimization, and organizational leadership to the non-profit housing sector. Chris currently serves as Board President of Abbey St. Andrew, a long-standing non-profit housing provider in Saint John. Under Chris’s leadership, the organization has strengthened its governance, modernized its operations, and advanced key improvements, that enhance tenant well-being, building safety, and long-term sustainability. His work has focused on improving quality of life for residents, renewing aging infrastructure, and ensuring the building continues to serve the community with dignity and stability. His commitment to community development, combined with his work across multiple industries and boards, supports NBNPHA’s mission to build strong, sustainable, and people-centered housing throughout New Brunswick

"This event reminded me that we are not alone in this work—we are part of a larger movement."

"The energy in the room gave me hope that change is not only possible—it’s happening."

"Every session offered something real—real tools, real stories, real momentum."

Each year at our Annual Conference, we honour the individuals and organizations who go above and beyond to strengthen New Brunswick’s non-profit housing sector.

These awards recognize the dedication, innovation, and leadership that ensure safe, affordable housing remains at the heart of our communities.

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