The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has launched the 2026 Housing Research Awards and is inviting researchers and organizations from across the country to submit projects that will shape the future of Canada’s housing sector.
The theme for this year’s President’s Medal for Outstanding Housing Research is “Modernizing Canada’s Housing Industry” and will recognize research that supports the advancement of more efficient, innovative and scalable approaches to housing construction.
“Modernizing the housing industry can increase productivity, reduce building costs and accelerate the pace of housing delivery across the country, and shorten construction timelines,” says CMHC.
The organization highlighted several areas of innovation, including the use of manufacturing-based construction methods, off-site fabrication, standardized and repeatable building designs, the integration of digital and automated technologies, and better coordination throughout construction supply chains.
The Housing Research Awards are designed to recognize excellence in Canadian housing research while encouraging continued innovation through funding that supports further research, knowledge sharing and public outreach.
Three awards will be presented as part of the 2026 program:
CMHC President’s Medal for Outstanding Housing Research: Modernizing Canada’s Housing Industry — $25,000
Gold Roof Award for Housing Research Excellence — $12,500
Gold Roof Award for Knowledge to Action — $12,500
Applications will be evaluated by an expert panel that may include representatives from academic institutions as well as the private, public and non-profit sectors.
The Housing Research Awards application portal is now open, with additional information on eligible projects available through CMHC.
Researchers have until 4:00 p.m. EST on September 29 to submit their applications, with the successful recipients scheduled to be announced later this year.
