Building Vibrant Communities

Let's work to understand the FACTS, BARRIERS, and SOLUTIONS to see affordable, accessible, and right-sized housing for all

Join us November 5th at BDAR
8:30 a.m. -11:00 a.m.

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Event Overview

Address the housing crisis by identifying some of the real causes and needs, discuss innovative housing solutions, promoting community-centric development to transform housing and communities enhancing livability, affordability, and resilience.

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 Media

Networking/Event Ends

Keynote Speaker

Virginia Munden

CEO, Buzz Media

What does it mean to build vibrant communities for all? Virginia will discuss how other countries like Italy are tackling their housing challenges, while still focusing on building a sense of connection and belonging. We've seen housing prices rise, demand shift, and supply lag behind, and we need to re-evaluate how we're approaching housing. We need to build more affordable housing that residents need and can afford.

Curious about what role real estate professionals play in addressing these challenges? Attend the event to hear from inspiring community leaders.

Panel 1: Defining Affordability and Community Beyond Housing

To open the event, this panel will redefine housing affordability by looking beyond just the cost of homes. It explores access to essential services, financial considerations, and the ability to rent or purchase homes.

Robert Cikoja

CEO

Habitat for Humanity Huronia

Nick L'Ecuyer

Principal Broker and Founder

Mortgage Wellness

Nicole Norris

Director Social Innovation, Research, innovation and Entrepreneurship

Georgian College

Panel 2: Mind the Gap - A New Market Opportunity

Ontario is facing a housing crisis and we need to find ways to help increase housing supply while still focusing on affordable housing. Let's talk about the 'missing middle' opportunity to solving the housing crisis and how zoning and by-laws need to change to allow for alternative housing models.

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 other countries 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.