Communities across Canada are facing housing pressures that require locally informed, practical responses. To address these challenges, the Government of Canada is supporting place‑based innovation through the Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative (RHII), which invests in local projects that advance new approaches to delivering diverse housing solutions tailored to regional needs.
Today, the Honourable Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), announced an investment of over $2.7 million through the Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative (RHII). This repayable investment will assist ZS2 Technologies scale up its advanced Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) manufacturing to accelerate the delivery of modular housing.
Through new manufacturing equipment and the expansion of production capacity, ZS2 Technologies is meeting the growing for sustainable, disaster‑resilient materials-including fire‑resistant options. With a focus on magnesium oxide-based cement SIPs, these materials are enabling faster build times for homes, reduced labour costs, and are more durable, making these advantageous for regions vulnerable to extreme weather events like wildfires.
Through targeted investments and collaboration, funding through RHII is not only increasing housing supply but also strengthening community resilience, economic growth, and quality of life for residents.
