Launch Event Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered northern and remote for this round?

The challenge does not seek to prescribe a definition of northern or remote. The reason we focus on both northern and remote is to be inclusive of communities that face challenges commonly experienced in northern areas. We have developed a context map to provide guidance to participants which is in Appendix E of the Stage 1 Applicant Guide. Please note, the map provided may not be exhaustive of all northern and remote regions in Canada. In the applicant form, Applicants will be asked to specify the geographic area of their project and how it qualifies as northern and remote.

For the purposes of participating in the Northern Ideas Development Program (NIDP), there is a set definition of northern and remote to specifically help participants from very remote and far north regions. For the NIDP, the northern and remote definition includes participants from all governments, organizations, groups, and communities that are above the southern limit of permafrost, and/or that are at least 350 kilometers from the nearest service center or have no year round access to a service center, and/or can demonstrate considerable challenges associated with housing or economic development due to its geographic remoteness.
Will the program facilitate connections between the people who need a solution and those who might provide the solution to establish partnerships and allow for a collaboration on a solution?

The Evergreen support program does offer networking and collaboration events to facilitate collaboration between potential applicants. In this stage, two networking events will be offered where participants with different perspectives and experience can come together, meet each other, and discuss their ideas and solutions. There will also be a collaboration forum open to participant s to facilitate further partnerships or collaboration. More details about these events and the forum will be shared shortly.

From NIDP, there will be representatives working directly with applicants that will identify potential collaborations and if there are other applicants looking at similar types of solutions.
What are the limitations on stacking federal and provincial funding under the program?

For our program there are no stacking limits. If another program through which you have received funding has a stacking restriction, then that would apply. There’s also no requirement for matching funds.
What if $250,000.00 is enough to fund the full development of the solution? Can you just apply for the full amount directly in Stage 1?

If the incubation funding can fund the whole solution proposed, applicants must be sure to indicate that in their submissions. The HSC team will work directly with the ap plicant team to discuss any further details should a scenario such as this one make it through to the shortlist.
Are we able to demonstrate the solution before we submit the "paper application"?

The evaluation panel will not be reviewing applications prior to submission. The Evergreen Support Program can however provide guidance, mentorship as well as resources. You are welcome to set up meeting with Evergreen or NIDP to ensure you fit the eligibility criteria and your idea is relevant to the Round’s objectives.
Why is training and capacity seen as a small part of the supply chain challenge as mentioned in this webinar?

The Round is open to capacity solutions that applicants might have to put forward. However, this program is mandated to address barriers to housing supply. Capacity training is not a main barrier the Round is seeking to address explicitly, however applicants may still apply with related sol utions as the Round welcomes as many ideas as possible.
Is a consortium made of a Canadian lead partner with one or more foreign suppliers is eligible? What if you represent a consortium and have research programs running across the mandate how many project applications can you submit?

Yes, that is eligible. Applicants should note that the lead applicant must be Canadian and the main benefit of the solution must accrue to northern and remote regions in Canada.

A lead applicant can only submit one application to each round. If there are multiple applications from a lead applicant, they will be asked to select which solution they would like to submit. However, applicants can partner or participate on as many other teams as they would like.
Would you be willing to fund the setup of a local housing-related manufacturing plant that could supply housing parts to the area through this funding program?

Yes, this would be an eligible solution. If you have further questions about the relevance or eligibility of your solution, please direct your inquiries to Evergreen for a discussion.
Does this challenge exclude specific housing product solutions that remove supply chain issues for only that specific system (ie: benefiting a single manufacturer and their product solution... and of course the northern communities)?

If the solution reduces dependence on the supply chain in any way, then the relevance and eligibility for the Round may be met. If the solution may be replicated or scaled up, it may demonstrate further applicability. If you have further questions about the relevance or eligibility of your solution, please direct your inquiries to Evergreen for a discussion.
Does the program support Capital investment, such as the construction of a factory in the North? Would it support operational costs to support the start up o f a factory?

Yes, start up costs would be eligible as this solution could have significant impact on supply chain in the north. An application for this idea would need to explain how it would work and what the costs implications would be. The application should also emphasize what the realistic opportunities for sustainability would be once the CMHC funding is used up. The application should demonstrate how it aligns with the round objectives and make the connection to the solution and northern/remote housing supply chain.
Our nation wishes to start a housing society to produce staff housing (as it is the greatest issue for turn over) and generate income for the nation. Will this program support funding for acquisition lawyer fees, remediation fees, or to buy units to place on our lands?

Further elaboration on the housing society may be required, but this idea may be a relevant and eligible solution for the Round. The purchasing of units to put on the land relates directly to building units which is not eligible. The Round is more focused on supply chain solutions and we are looking for long-term solutions. The CMHC Rapid Housing Initiative may be more relevant to this solution in terms of funding to buy units. With regard to what funding can be used for, fees such as the above would be eligible. If you have further questions about the relevance or eligibility of your solution, please direct your inquiries to Evergreen for a discussion.
I am not in the housing industry, but I have a new housing design that we are trying to develop. Our project was designed for locations like this. Who would be the best to contact for assistance getting materials together for the proposal?

Please make use of both support programs for extra assistance and to be connected with resources that will support your application.

Here is the link to apply to the NIDP https://nidp.ca/apply/ or call or text toll-free at 1-800-403-4525. You can also send your questions to help@NIDP.ca Any of these options will prompt an NIDP representative to get in touch with you.

To contact Evergreen, please call (647) 670-2265 or email HSC-DOLsupport3@evergreen.ca
Are we able or encouraged to form new businesses or partnerships for the sake of applying to this program?

Yes, one of the Challenge objectives is to collaborate and establish partnerships to enhance community engagement. Applicants may also incorporate a new entity for the purpose of applying.
Will Stage 3 funding include support for land purchase?

This will depend on what the solution is proposing. Solutions building units will not be eligible for this Round. If you have further questions about the relevance or eligibility of your solution, please direct your inquiries to Evergreen for a discussion.
As the CFO of a modular construction company that is already building a project in a Cree northern community, can we apply together with that band to seek the funding to do a complete housing initiative together?

As long as the link to supply chain is made clear, the solution will align with the Round. The solution must seek a longer term reduction of the supply chain barrier. If you have further questions about the relevance or eligibility of your solution, please direct your inquiries to Evergreen for a discussion.
Is there any interest in geothermal for housing projects if there is a sustainable option for it?

If the solution links geothermal to supply chain, it may be relevant to this round. If you have further questions about the relevance or eligibility of your solution, please direct your inquiries to Evergreen for a discussion.
If we are currently combatting the supply chain & materials storage issues with a business plan in place, is there still potential to obtain funding?

Yes, you may apply to this Round. You may also consider looking into the Demonstrations initiative at CMHC where you may be able to access funding for a project retroactively.
Will the incubation period have specific milestones that shortlisted teams will need to meet in order to move forward to implementation funding? Are those criteria available to the public? The application guide does not seem to list the milestones/criteria required throughout the incubation stage. This is in relation to previous challenges where we felt the criteria/milestones were not reflective of development in Nunavut.

A contribution agreement will be put in place with shortlisted applicants. Typically, there is an upfront payment, and then further requirements for demonstration of progress for the remaining payment. The requirements are not built out yet and are not shareable at this time.
If my company’s solutions apply more to Round 4 (Construction Technologies), but also apply to Supply Chain Limitations, would it make more sense for me to wait for round 4, or apply to both?

If the solution is more applicable to another round, you may have to judge whether you’d like to use your resources and capacity to apply to both. You could also consider if there is a way for your solution to better align to this Round’s objectives if you decide to apply to this Round.
Would a local tree to house (cut, haul, and turn into lumber) operation be acceptable?

Yes, as long as the link to supply chain is clear. The Round seeks big impact solutions, and in this case the solution may apply to the reduction of dependency on supply chain for housing. To ensure you meet the relevance or eligibility of your solution, please direct your inquiries to Evergreen for a discussion.
Does an Indigenous based company (that is designed for accessing extreme terrain), that intends to provide services for finding potable water zones and drilling residential water wells in remote northern areas qualify for this type of program funding?

Yes, but further elaboration may be required to ensure the relevance and eligibility pieces truly align with the solution. To ensure you meet the relevance or eligibility of your solution, please direct your inquiries to Evergreen for a discussion.
Would a proposal for new building designs that incorporate solutions to supply chain challenges in northern and rural regions be considered?

The emphasis of the solution must be on supply chain. If the solution is a building design that is going to help overcome systemic supply chain barriers that would be ideal. If you have further questions about the relevance or eligibility of your solution, please direct your inquiries to Evergreen for a discussion.
How do you review support for projects that are already established and operating? For example research projects that are shovel ready or capacity development project such as training future staff that is already started.

It is not a requirement of the Round for all solutions to be completely new. The application form will ask that the solution demonstrates broader impact and opportunity for scaling and application. You are also encouraged to look at the Demonstrations initiative program at CMHC which is a program for existing projects.
By Indigenous group do you mean a registered society?

The Round is very open to all different compositions of groups however the lead applicant must be a legal entity in Canada.
Are newly incorporated companies acceptable?

Newly registered organizations are acceptable. The HSC Team will work with shortlisted teams to ensure all milestones are being met and demonstration of progress is clear.