As the price of entry into many neighborhood housing markets continues to sky-rocket, we need more models for both renting or owning a home. President and CEO of the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation Romy Bowers discusses the need for government policies and support, and the crucial role for everyone in Canada’s housing ‘system’ must play to create a more diverse mix of housing choices that meet our collective needs.

Mental Health and Homelessness are inextricably linked crises affecting Canada’s urban communities. Medical Director at Inner-City Health Associates, Dr. Andrew Bond speaks about his on-the-ground experience in providing coordinated supports, and how essential local models of practice are the best solution to not only rebuilding coordinated systems across jurisdictions, but also restoring the levels of civic trust so crucial to healthy, diverse downtowns and main street neighborhoods.

Millions of square feet of office space sit empty across Canada and fewer workers are coming downtown. What opportunity do these vacant and underutilized office spaces present for increasing housing supply while making downtown districts across Canada vibrant, equitable, livable, and resilient?

Panellists discussed the National Housing Accord and the concrete actions it lays out for the federal government to get affordable housing options built across the country. If implemented, the ten actionable items could address housing affordability, meet the needs of our growing population, create jobs and play a significant role in ending homelessness.

Panellists discussed gaps in transportation networks and what models can better serve collective goals around transportation equity, climate change, and municipal fiscal responsibility. Findings from CUI and AECOM’s joint report, “Mobility as a Service: A Feasibility Study on Implementing MaaS in the Greater Toronto Area,” were also highlighted to explore the conversation around MaaS acceptance and implementation and how, if directed intentionally, the model can support better mobility access.

Panellists discussed how the on-going failure to provide widespread and adequate mental health services impacts housing and social service systems in addition to affecting Canada’s downtowns, main streets, public spaces, and transit. How are cities addressing the crisis? what are the proven best practices? and what other initiatives need to be considered to offer support systems for all?

Panellists discussed conversion projects that are underway, what makes them feasible, how stakeholders are leveraging office space conversions to create a balance of uses in downtowns, and what other initiatives need to be considered to revitalize urban cores.

Panellists, including representatives from ReStart Ukraine, spoke about how Ukrainian cities and municipalities are laying the foundation for a strong and sustainable recovery.

With: Zahra Ebrahim—CEO, Monumental, Toronto Jean-Noé Landry—Canadian Urban Institute Fellow, Montreal Jennifer Moore Rattray—Chief Operating Officer, Southern Chiefs’ Organization, Winnipeg Carolyn Whitzman—Adjunct Professor and Housing Researcher, University of Ottawa, Ottawa