Could student-built tiny homes aid Sudbury’s housing needs?

An undated photo of students and staff at Collège Boréal in Greater Sudbury, Ont., working on a student designed tiny home project. (Supplied/Collège Boréal)

A unique 400-square-foot tiny home, the result of a hands-on educational project at Collège Boréal, is now complete and available for public auction. The project, which began its design phase in 2022, was constructed by students from various trades programs.

Sabine Bouchard, the college’s director of research and innovation, outlined the project’s trajectory to CTV News.

“The first phase was the design, then it was the fabrication or the construction and now we’re moving into kind of evaluation of the project.”

While a successful sale is desired, the primary objective was academic.

Bouchard emphasized that “our goal is really to provide hands-on experience to our students,” noting the value of teaching future carpenters, electricians and plumbers to collaborate directly.

Potential for future civic collaboration

The project has captured the attention of city officials in Greater Sudbury. Ward 11 Councillor Bill Leduc, who previously proposed a tiny home pilot project for homeless youth and Indigenous populations, sees potential for municipal collaboration with the college after city council voted against his motion in July.

Leduc told CTV News he remains undeterred.

“I’m not going to give up on the tiny home situation,” he said. “Our homeless need somewhere to stay. We treat our pets better than we’re treating our homeless right now.”

Leduc has requested the college present its findings to council, believing such initiatives could offer critical housing solutions.

“I think everybody deserves housing. No matter who you are,” Leduc said.

A one-time opportunity with lasting impact

The immediate future of such builds remains uncertain due to funding. Bouchard confirmed that the project “will not be repeated unless we’re able to secure other additional funding,” though she expressed openness to future collaborations.

For now, the singular tiny home is available for bidding until Sept. 10.

The successful bidder will receive a modular home complete with all necessary materials, though some assembly is required.