News & Events
How Can the GTA Expand the Supply of Affordable Housing at a Time of Limited Government Support?
Photo credits: Jack Landau
On Tuesday, April 7th, 2015, guests gathered in the Sears Atrium for an informative panel discussion on Affordable Housing in the GTA.
The event included presentations by three panelists followed by a discussion and questions with the audience.
Thank you to all of our panelists and guests for making this a successful and informative policy seminar.
About the Seminar:
There is growing concern about the declining affordability of housing in the GTA with rising home prices and rents outpacing increases in incomes. While lower income households face the brunt of a lack of affordable housing middle-income households are being affected as well. With all three levels of government facing severe fiscal restraints, non-subsidy mechanisms are needed to address the problem.
This seminar examined ways governments and the private sector can work to provide a significant increase in the supply of affordable housing in the GTA though land use policies, use of vacant or underutilized public lands, and the encouragement of a level of new supply that keeps up with or exceeds underlying demographic growth.
MODERATOR:
David Amborski
Director,
Centre for Urban Research and Land Development, Toronto Metropolitan University
PANELISTS:
Mark Conway
Senior Partner,
N. Barry Lyon Consultants Limited
Mark Conway discussed the dynamics of the private rental market for new housing – the rental condo phenomenon of the past decade – why did it occur and future prospects? Budding institutional and private investor interest in new purpose-built rental projects – why and future prospects?
(PDF file) Read Mark Conway's presentation here >> (opens in new window)
Hanita Braun
Executive Director of Project Management,
Planning & Development,
Verdiroc Development Corporation
Hanita Braun discussed the proposed alternate source of capital to better meet both the quantitative and the timely need for the development and construction of Affordable Rental Housing. The use of Development Bonds is proposed to raise capital and lower the cost per Affordable Rental Housing unit.
(PDF file) Read Hanita Braun's presentation here >> (opens in new window)
Heather Tremain
Director, Planning & Development,
Options for Homes
Heather Tremain discussed a model for affordable home ownership and how to scale up production.
(PDF file) Read Heather Tremain's presentation here >> (opens in new window)
On Tuesday, April 7th, 2015, guests gathered in the Sears Atrium for an informative panel discussion on the supply of affordable housing in the GTA.
The event included presentations by three panelists followed by a discussion and questions with the audience.
Thank you to all of our panelists and guests for making this a successful and informative policy seminar.
Video of the Event
If you were not able to make the event you can view the entire seminar on Ryecast.
View video of the event now >> (opens in new window)
MODERATOR:
DAVID AMBORSKI
Director, Centre for Urban Research and Land Development, Toronto Metropolitan University
PANELISTS:
MARK CONWAY
Senior Partner, N. Barry Lyon Consultants Limited
HANITA BRAUN
Executive Director of Project Management, Planning & Development, Verdiroc Development Corporation
HEATHER TREMAIN
Director, Planning & Development, Options for Homes