Solution Progress, Implementation, and Funding FAQ

ATTENTION: The Stage 2 Deadline for the Northern Access Round has been extended to Thursday, October 12 at 5pm Eastern Time. Please keep this in mind as you review resources on the Community Solutions Portal as they may reference previous timelines for Stage 2 deadlines.

-My project has changed scope from Stage 1, what does CMHC need to see?

When there is an adjustment in scope of the project, CMHC recommends outlining what will be delivered by the end of the Implementation Stage (Stage 3), if there will be project elements carried forward after Stage 3, and how that will happen (i.e., if you will secure additional funding or partnerships to sustain the project following Stage 3).

At this time, consider the delivery roadmap and release schedule and how you can showcase the impact and sustainability of your project in your Stage 2 Application. There is value in describing what has changed for your project, what you’ll achieve by March 2025 (end of Stage 3: Implementation) and beyond (long-term impacts), and how your project will still be successful based on this new target.

-Can I publish my work in reports or present it at conferences?

Yes. Recipients may publish any reports and/or materials relating to their project in accordance with the Agreement, including, for example, the need for notification to CMHC and acknowledgement of CMHC financial support. Publication of project materials remains subject to the contractual requirements around Intellectual Property.

-What are eligible/ineligible expenses?

The following are examples of eligible and ineligible uses of Implementation Funding. Teams should consider these lists in developing their implementation plans and budgets. This list is not exhaustive.

• Eligible activities are those associated with developing, implementing, operating, and maintaining the solution. These may include research; engagement of different people, groups, and/or organizations; partnership development; building or maintenance activities relevant to the solution development; activities to support prototyping and testing the solution; developing and acquiring materials; software development; data collection or acquisition; obtaining insurance; consulting or professional services; travel related to the development of the solution, administrative costs, etc.
• Ineligible activities include tasks related to the solution that were completed prior to submission of the Stage 2 application, asset investments, advocacy products or activities, etc. Other ineligible activities include the construction of physical housing units (unless it’s a prototype of the larger solution), design or development activities for housing construction that is already in progress, and/or seeking approvals or financing for a specific housing project.

-How long are we required to produce, record and store data?

This will be unique to each solution and depends on the longevity of what you are proposing. The Challenge asks for long term solutions that help solve a supply chain barrier, so the hope is that this would be

-Does the Applicant have to be on board for the entire implementation period of five years?

Yes. The Applicant is the legal entity that receives the funds for the project. If the Applicant or the Team Lead for the Applicant must change over the course of the Challenge, this may be possible through discussion with and approval from CMHC.

-I was confused by the medium-term view of 3 – 5 years when funding is to 2025. The timeframe from 2023 – 2025 is 2 years. Is there potential funding to a 5-year timeline?

CMHC would like you to project as far out as you can, for up to three to five years. This way CMHC will have a complete picture of the long-term viability of the solution to be able to consider the possibility of entering further agreements. The funding timeline for solutions that receive implementation funding is March 31, 2025.

-What type of insurance do I need?

Applicants must procure or maintain insurance policies to cover risks generally deemed adequate and customary for their businesses. These risks include (but are not limited to) policies covering commercial general liability, cyber liability, and errors and omissions. More information is available in “Insurance FAQs” on the