Ready, Set, Build! (Fall, September, 2025)

Program Description

An Overview

The long-standing RSB! Course has been adapted to our new virtual reality. Join this hybrid course that brings together self-directed online learning and facilitated group-based learning activities.

If you are considering building affordable housing in your community, Ready, Set, Build! (RSB!) is for you. RSB! is a flexible course that will walk you through the development process from start to end.

This 12hrs-over-six-weeks course includes both self-directed learning and facilitator-led instructional activities. You will have the opportunity to virtually discuss course materials and concepts with other learners and an instructor multiple times during the course – all from the comfort of your office or home.

What You’ll Learn

By the end of this module you will be able to:

• Describe the steps in developing affordable rental housing for low-income households
• Conduct a preliminary financial feasibility assessment for a proposed housing development
• Identify financial and other partners for affordable housing development
• List the key players involved in developing affordable housing and their roles and responsibilities
• Use a standard format to prepare a proposal for funding or other partnership… and much more!

Course Outline

• This is a 6-week course. It includes access to HousingU, BCNPHA’s online learning platform, which features self-directed learning materials, discussion forums and an assignment which is to prepare a project proposal which you can use as a resource to approach potential partners.
• Three virtual learning sessions conducted on Zoom will include instructional content and group learning through presentations and discussions of course concepts in breakout sessions.
• The virtual learning sessions are 6.5 hours in total, and include a 1.5-hr orientation session and two 2.5-hr facilitated learning sessions. Self-directed learning takes about 3-6 hours, to be completed in 1 to 3-hr segments prior to each virtual session.
• There are no prerequisites, other than basic computer, access to the internet and a microphone (i.e., a headset). A camera is not required, but desirable. This course is provided in English and requires reading and writing at a high school level.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for attending RSB! online other than a basic understanding of online communication and access to the internet.

See below for more information on the RSB Program to determine if this course is right for you.

RSB! has been designed to be accessible for anyone from board members to development consultants, to building administrators and managers. RSB! is for organizations of any size who are contemplating, or in the process of, building or redeveloping affordable housing in their community.

September 10:
Registration closes at noon.

All virtual sessions are in Pacific Standard Time.

September 11:
Session 1:
Virtual Course Orientation

10:30am – 12:00pm (1.5 hrs)

Meet and greet & technology check. You will also have log-in access to HousingU.

September 25:
Session 2:
Concept Development

9:30am – 12:00pm (2.5 hrs)

Housing need and demand, developing a project concept, and funding sources.

October 9:
Session 3:
Making it Feasible

9:30am – 12:00pm (2.5 hrs)

Financial feasibility, the project team, partnerships, how to prepare a project proposal.

November 7:
Final Session

Final project due. Access to online RSB course content via HousingU will remain open up to Dec 5.

Registration Details

To register, click on the button above to login to our secure Registration site.

Please note that all HousingU courses are for single-user registration only, as our learning management system requires a unique email address for each participant. This means you can’t enroll another person on your behalf. Each participant must set up their own BCNPHA account, register individually, and use their own email to receive their unique login details and course access.

Participants are welcome to either pay upfront or select “Pay Later” upon registration checkout and then forward the receipt/invoice to the appropriate party for reimbursement, if applicable.

Registration Assistance

For step-by-step registration instructions (PDF) and/or our cancellation policy, check out the Program Info: HousingU Registration page.

Registrants will receive course access instructions from learn@bcnpha.ca prior to the course start date.

Live Session Access:

Registrants will receive a Zoom link for the 3 live virtual sessions from learn@bcnpha.ca upon registration.

Online Course Content Access:

You will be able to access the online resources and forums in HousingU, BCNPHA’s online learning platform, on the course start date. HousingU course log-in information will be sent prior to the start date.

There is a maximum capacity of 20 participants for this course.

Need Help?

• Having problems with your account? Email webfeedback@bcnpha.ca.
• Having problems completing your online registration? Email events@bcnpha.ca.
• Having problems accessing your HousingU online course or module? Email learn@bcnpha.ca.

More Information

For more information about course content, contact Kate Nielsen – Education Lead, learn@bcnpha.ca

RSB! is sponsored by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation