Housing Supply Summit 2022

During 2020, the world dramatically changed due to the COVID pandemic. Lives were thrown into disarray; jobs were lost, social relationships and interactions were halted, and many people were confined to their homes. Homes that in many cases became the new workplace through virtual communications and, when schools had to close, homes were the de facto classrooms for children.

These shifts came with a cost, financially and emotionally, and in a time of great uncertainty, took a toll. While some people were able to take advantage of rising real estate prices and acquire property in smaller towns and cities, many others experienced displacement from their homes and are now homeless.

Social distancing became a huge part of life outside of homes. Maintaining a safe distance, minimizing physical contact, and sanitizers and face masks became the “new norm”, followed by vaccination certificates with QR codes.

The lack of housing supply and unaffordability became major themes during the federal election campaign in the summer of 2021. The Hon. Ahmed Hussen, who grew up in Regent Park, has been tasked to lead the new Ministry of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion.

An urgency to address ways to deliver more housing is also evident at Queen’s Park. In the lead up to the provincial election in June 2022, Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister, Steve Clark, has announced that both he and the Premier will be meeting with Big City Mayors and Regional Chairs to discuss ways to deliver more housing across Ontario.

Long before COVID struck, RESCON, or the Residential Construction Council of Ontario, recognized that more could be done to increase housing supply. Two significant research reports attest to this:  an assessment of issues impacting shelter affordability https://rescon.com/reports/files/CANCEA-2017-Phase-2-Affordability-Phase2-report.pdf and ways to speed up the approval process for building projects https://rescon.com/reports/files/RESCON_Streamlining_Approvals_Process.pdf

Join us on March 3, 2022, at the Housing Supply Summit 2022: Solutions to Build More Homes where we will be joined by a diverse group of speakers who will share their experiences, knowledge, and opinions, and provide insight and answers to our most pressing questions.

During this half-day virtual conference, 10:30-14:30 Eastern Time, we will delve into many questions such as “What has created this situation but, more importantly, where do we go from here?” and “What are the key solutions in the short term and beyond that will help get more Canadians in suitable and affordable accommodation of all types?”.

We have invited two fantastic keynote speakers: the Hon. Ahmed Hussen and the Hon. Steve Clark. Watch this space for further announcements. This is not to be missed.

From all of us at Housing Supply Summit 2022: Solutions to Build More Homes, we thank you for your interest and look forward to welcoming you!