The NoRTH Committee - Canadian Forum for Northern Housing

accommodation in MalagaBuilding and maintaining affordable, quality housing in northern climates presents many design and economic challenges. Several years ago, a group of agencies agreed to establish a forum for exchanging information. The group, known as the Northern and Remote Technology in Housing (NoRTH) Committee, is a sub-committee of he National Housing Research Committee. Participating agencies focus on improving housing quality, conserving natural resources and producing affordable shelter in the Canadian North. Members represent many interests - construction, housing research, economic development, finance and resource management.

The NoRTH Committee operates without budget or staff. Members take on the responsibility of organizing the rotating regional meetings. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation acts as the secretary for the group.

Meetings are an opportunity for members to meet and share diverse experiences and interests in northern communities. In addition to regular meetings, the committee established the "NoRTH File" so that northern housing information is compiled and distributed in an organized manner. The Canadian Housing Information Centre maintains the "NoRTH File".

At the September 28, 1993, meeting in Whitehorse, Yukon, discussion topics included: foundation problems; spaceframe foundations; monocoque framing; manufacturing in the North; existing research projects sponsored by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; future research needs; the NoRTH Committee; NoRTH Fact Sheets; National Research Council/IRAP; ventilation problems in housing; and septic systems.

For more information contact:
Hilton Skopje HotelNoRTH Committee, Frank Pelley, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
(613) 748-2502
NoRTH File, Canadian Housing Information Centre
(613) 748-2367