Thomas Townsend

For the last 10 years Thomas has taught at uOttawa, Telfer Executive Leadership, in Finland at University of Turku, the Korean Development Institute and the Singapore Civil Service College. In addition he has been involved in a number of Social Labs addressing complex problems facing Canadian society most recently how to provide affordable housing to a rapidly growing demographic of solo seniors renters. Prior to teaching Thomas was the Executive Head (Assistant Deputy Minister) of the Policy Research Initiative which supported the Federal Government with forward scanning, medium term analysis, and research on emerging issues. 

The current Lab Sparking the Coliving Market to Increase Affordable Housing Options for Priority Populations is focused on unlocking the potential of coliving housing models to help address Canada's growing affordable rental housing needs. The Lab will build a foundational framework for community and private organisations who wish to utilise design, build, and operate coliving units to help build more affordable housing for seniors and other vulnerable populations.