Waterloo Region Housing Leaders and Industry Experts Gather for Homes For All Summit, Moving Affordable Housing Solutions Forward
Waterloo Region – On Tuesday June 11th, housing developers, advocates, industry experts, academics, elected officials and municipal staff took part in the Region of Waterloo’s inaugural Homes for All Summit at Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum.
As part of the Region of Waterloo’s Homes for All strategic priority, the Homes for All Summit was an action-oriented event exploring different models, tools, policies and approaches to creating more affordable housing in Waterloo Region. Findings from the day will continue to inform the Region of Waterloo’s approach to accelerating the development of affordable housing in the community through the use of Regionally-owned lands, partnership, resource allocation and more.
“This event brings together so many passionate people who are actively working to address the housing crisis in Waterloo Region” said Regional Chair Karen Redman. “To be 1 Million Ready, we need to work alongside each other to find new and innovative ways to create homes for our current and future residents.”
The day began with greeting by Clarence Cachagee of Crow Shield Lodge, who spoke to the importance of making decisions with the Seventh Generation Principle at the forefront.
Keynote speakers included Mark Richardson, Technical Lead, Data & Analytic of HousingNowTO, and Rebekah Young Vice President, Head of Inclusion and Resilience Economics, Scotiabank, who both spoke to the economics of the current housing crisis and how it is affecting Canadians across the country.
“Getting creative with government lands that can provide new medium and high density homes is essential to alleviating Ontario’s housing crisis. By using open data and partnering with an engaged community network, we can work together to build new affordable rental apartments at speed and scale,” said Mark Richardson, Technical Lead, Data & Analytics, HousingNowTO. “It’s exciting to see solutions that were shared today happening in Waterloo Region, and how this will help the Toronto Waterloo innovation corridor thrive as Canada continues to grow.”
Globe and Mail journalist Oliver Moore was the emcee for the event, providing reflection throughout the day.
“Canadians are being left behind and we need more housing than we ever have. Low-income Canadians and local governments are being hit hardest by the current housing market forces,” said Rebekah Young, Vice President, Head of Inclusion and Resilience Economics, Scotiabank “To find a way forward, we need to aim high, while delivering realistic, creative and timely housing solutions now. The good news is getting policymakers, private industry and community in the room is the best way forward to radical innovation and action.”
Breakout sessions included panels on social purpose real estate, sustainability in affordable homebuilding, municipal tools available to non-profit organizations and developers, and case studies on recently completed projects within the community. Attendees were encouraged to make new connections and find new opportunities and partnerships to move their affordable housing projects forward.
The Region of Waterloo’s “Growing with Care” Strategic Plan includes a strategic focus on Homes for All. This means investing in affordable homes and economic opportunities for all that are inclusive and environmentally sustainable. To achieve this, we must move quickly to create affordable, accessible and equitable housing.
“Creating a place that individuals and family call home, that is inclusive, welcoming, safe and affordable is one of the most important challenges of our time.” Said Councillor Jim Erb. “Learning from each other is a critical part of making our community better for everyone.”
The Region continues to work collaboratively with community partners and all levels of government to create more affordable homes. Following the Homes for All Summit, the Region continues the important work of Building Better Futures: 2,500 Affordable Homes in 5 years and will support community partners as they get more shovels in the ground.
Find out more about Affordable Housing at the Region of Waterloo. (https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/living-here/affordable-housing-plan.aspx)