Why I Founded Oikeo: Building Affordable Housing That People Can Truly Call Home

Across Ontario, the housing conversation has reached a critical point. Affordability, access, and long-term livability are no longer abstract policy debates — they are daily realities for individuals, families, and communities.

Over the course of my career, I’ve been fortunate to help build cities, projects, and businesses across Ontario. I’ve worked on complex developments, navigated approvals, managed risk, and delivered housing at scale. With that experience comes not just opportunity, but responsibility.

That responsibility is what led me to establish Oikeo Non-Profit Housing Inc.

The Meaning Behind Oikeo

The name Oikeo comes from Ancient Greece and translates roughly to “to dwell,” “to belong,” or “to make a home.”

That meaning is intentional.

Housing should represent more than square footage or unit counts. It should provide stability, dignity, and a genuine sense of belonging. Oikeo exists to focus on that fundamental purpose — delivering housing that people can truly call home, not just occupy.

This philosophy guides how we think about design, delivery, and long-term community impact.

Affordable Housing Requires More Than Policy

There is no shortage of well-intentioned housing policy in Ontario. Programs, funding frameworks, and incentives continue to evolve — and many are necessary. But policy alone will not solve the housing crisis.

Affordable and non-profit housing requires:

• realistic approvals strategies

• disciplined cost planning

• efficient construction sequencing

• experienced execution teams

• and a long-term view of community sustainability

Without these elements, even well-funded projects can stall or fail to materialize.

Through Oikeo, I’m committed to applying real-world construction and development experience to help bridge the gap between housing ambition and housing delivery.

Applying Builder Experience to Non-Profit Housing

As CEO of Fusioncorp, I’ve spent years operating at the intersection of strategy and execution. That perspective matters in the non-profit housing space.

Oikeo was created to:

• support projects moving from concept to shovel-ready

• work collaboratively with municipalities, non-profits, and partners

• prioritize buildable, durable, and cost-conscious solutions

• and deliver housing that performs well over the long term

This isn’t about cutting corners — it’s about building responsibly, efficiently, and with purpose.

Affordable housing must be well-built housing. Anything less creates future problems for residents and communities alike.

A Commitment That Goes Beyond a Single Project

For me, Oikeo is not a side initiative. It’s a meaningful extension of how I want to contribute as a builder and leader.

The housing crisis affects workforce stability, economic growth, and social resilience across Ontario. Addressing it requires sustained effort, strong partnerships, and a willingness to take on complex challenges.

I’m proud of the partnerships forming around Oikeo and grateful for the trust placed in us to help advance projects that genuinely matter.

Looking Ahead

The work ahead won’t always be easy. Affordable housing rarely is. But it is necessary — and it is worth doing well.

If we want stronger communities, we need housing that supports them. That means homes designed and delivered with care, accountability, and long-term thinking.

Through Oikeo, I’m committed to helping make that happen.

— Nick Ainis,

CEO, Fusioncorp.