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Event Overview
This event aims to address the housing crisis by identifying some of the real causes and needs, discuss innovative housing solutions and promote community-centric development. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders, innovators, and thought leaders who are driving real change in our communities. Together, we will explore solutions to the housing challenges we face and discuss how we can build vibrant, resilient communities for all.
Schedule of Events
8:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
9:10 a.m.
9:30 a.m.
9:50 a.m.
10:10 a.m.
10:30 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
Doors Open/Breakfast
Welcome Remarks from BDAR Chair, Lindsay Percy
Housing Update with TRREB's Chief Market Analyst, Jason Mercer
Panel #1- Defining Affordability and Community Beyond Housing
Panel #2- Mind the Gap: A New Market Opportunity
Panel #3- Building Vibrant Communities For All
Keynote Presentation from Virginia Munden, REALTOR® and CEO of Buzz Buzz Media Inc.
Networking/Event Ends
Keynote Speaker
Today's Housing Market
How Did We Get Here & What Lies Ahead
Virginia Munden
CEO, Buzz Buzz Media Inc.
What does it mean to build vibrant communities for all? It’s a phrase that sounds inspiring, but how do we bring it to life? Virginia will discuss how other countries are tackling their housing challenges; drawing on her recent travels in Europe. She will also discuss the importance of creating inclusive spaces where people of all ages can live, connect and thrive. We need to rethink how we are approaching housing to meet the changing needs of today’s population. It’s not just about building homes, it’s building the right homes; “the missing middle”. We've seen housing prices rise, demand shift, and supply lag behind, and we need to build more affordable housing that residents actually want and can afford.
Jason Mecer
TRREB Chief Market Analyst
Clear data driven picture of what is happening in the housing market shedding light on various pressures impacting the sector. How are these factors shaping housing in our region.
Panel 1: Defining Affordability and Community Beyond Housing
The first panel will delve into the definition of affordability in today’s market and discuss what costs there are beyond the cost of the house itself. Conversation will also centre on what role alternative housing options play in solving the housing crisis and what part community institutions play in supporting the development of communities that foster connection and well being
Robert Cikoja
CEO
Habitat for Humanity Huronia
Nicole Norris
Director Social Innovation, Research, innovation and Entrepreneurship
Georgian College
Nick L'Ecuyer
Principal Broker and Founder
Mortgage Wellness
Panel 2: Mind the Gap - A New Market Opportunity
This panel will focus on the “missing middle”; defining right sized housing and discussing ways to reduce costs and remove the barriers that are preventing widespread adoption of innovative housing solutions. We will also discuss ways to shift the narrative from Nimbyism to Yimbyism
Bianca Metz
Lead Consultant,
The Giving Tree Family Tiny Home Organization
Ed Peterson
Founder/Director of Operations
Tiny Town Association
Jennifer van Gennip
Director, Communications & Advocacy
Redwood Park Communities
Panel 3: Building Vibrant Communities For All
The panel discussion centers on exploring innovative solutions for building vibrant, inclusive communities. The focus is on practical, outside-the-box approaches, inspired by how others have addressed similar challenges. The conversation will dive into defining living and community standards, and highlight the positive impact of communities working together to create environments where everyone can thrive
Brandon Day
Co-Founder and CEO
Community Builders
Sean Mason
Founder & CEO
Sean Homes
Tim Kent
Co-Founder & CEO
Redwood Park Communities
Paul Markle
Executive Director
Barrie Chamber of Commerce