Presented by CSA Group
As Canada faces an urgent housing crisis, modular and prefabricated construction methods are gaining attention as scalable, cost-effective solutions to rapidly build new homes. Despite their promise, these approaches face persistent barriers—from fragmented regulations and inspection standards to financing challenges and public misconceptions.
Join FCM and the CSA Group for this timely Collective webinar exploring how municipalities can unlock the full potential of modular construction. Hear from industry experts and municipal leaders about the levers local governments can pull to accelerate adoption of modular housing—from streamlining permitting and zoning to piloting shovel-ready projects and advocating for harmonized standards.
This session will spotlight:
- The speed, quality, and scalability of modular housing
- Common hurdles and how municipalities can address them
- Lessons learned from real-world projects, demonstrating how modular construction can contribute to a municipality's affordable housing and climate goals
- Opportunities for municipal leadership in shaping policy and public perception
Are you interested in learning more? In coordination with the CSA group, we have pulled together some helpful resource pages to help you continue exploring how your municipality can unlock the full potential of modular construction.
- Modular Construction Reports & Industry Analysis
Read the full report on the Canadian permanent modular construction industry. - Seizing the Modular Construction Opportunity
Read the full report. - Standards for more efficient modular construction projects
Moderator
- Jen Arntfield, Senior Manager, Policy and Research, FCM
Jen Arntfield is the Senior Manager of Policy and Research at FCM, focusing on housing and homelessness policy and programs. She led the design and implementation of the Sustainable Affordable Housing program of the Green Municipal Fund. Jen previously led affordable housing strategy, policy and research for a municipal government.
Panelists
- Dwayne Torrey, Director, Construction and Infrastructure Standards, CSA
Dwayne Torrey is the Director of Construction and Infrastructure Standards at Canadian Standards Association (CSA), a global organization dedicated to safety, social good and sustainability. In his role, Dwayne helps define the strategic path for standards and codes that support safe and reliable structures, construction materials, products, systems, and mechanical safety equipment. Through continuous assessment of emerging construction trends, Dwayne and his team have advanced critical issues such as modular buildings, building information modeling, climate resilience, circular construction and decarbonization of materials. Dwayne has over 25 years of experience in construction and engineering, including 20 years at CSA.
- Tom Hardiman, Executive Director, Modular Building Institute
Tom Hardiman has been involved in leadership roles in modular construction since 2004 when he was named the Executive Director for the Modular Building Institute, the international non-profit trade association for the commercial modular industry. In 2012, Tom launched his association management company, Hardiman-Williams, LLC, with his business partner Steven Williams. At that time, he took on the additional role as Executive Director for the Modular Home Builders Association, the national non-profit trade association serving the modular home industry.
Tom has extensive experience as an advocate on various legislative, regulatory and building code issues at the state and federal levels. He was one of the leading forces behind the creation of the Offsite Construction Council at the National Institute of Building Science and has served on its board since its inception. He also serves on the Wells Fargo/NREL Innovation Incubator Board. In 2015, his company launched the first Offsite Construction Expo in North America. The expo has since been delivered in person and virtually over a dozen times to thousands of attendees.
- Jacek Sochacki, Manager of Design, Construction and Asset Management, Works Division, Regional Municipality of Durham
Jacek Sochacki is the Manager of Design, Construction, and Asset Management within the Works Division at the Regional Municipality of Durham. In this role, he leads the Capital Construction Group and is responsible for the development and implementation of Regional Asset Management Plans for Regional facilities, ensuring alignment with broader corporate initiatives.
Jacek brings hands-on experience in modular residential construction, applying innovative and scalable building methods that support efficient and sustainable development. His expertise strengthens the Region’s efforts to modernize public infrastructure and advance climate-conscious design.