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  • Lessons from Main Streets: How Are Local Businesses Navigating Economic Uncertainty?

    Olivier Legault of Rues Principales highlighted that the communities which emerged strongest from past crises—such as the COVID-19 pandemic—were those with a strong local customer base. He cautioned that trends like “buy local” often surge in response to crises but tend to fade without sustained policy support. Legault advocated for long-term strategies centered on densifying…

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  • Addressing Canada’s Housing Supply: Can Regulations Drive Housing Innovation?

    Alkarim Devani stressed the importance of public education in addressing Canada’s housing crisis, particularly around the misunderstood concept of “missing middle” housing. His company, mddl, has engaged with over 700 participants through intensive training to demystify the development process. Devani argued that enabling homeowners—especially older Canadians—to become small-scale developers could catalyze a transformation of underused…

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  • Single Stair Sessions, Day 2 – The 2 Ss: Safety And Sustainability

    Axel Mossberg shared Sweden’s approach to fire safety regulations for buildings with single exit stairs, focusing on performance-based design. Swedish building codes allow deviations from standard recommendations if safety levels are maintained. For buildings up to 16 stories, single exit stairs are permitted with specific requirements, such as smoke vestibules and fire compartmentalization. For buildings…

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  • Single Stair Sessions, Day 1 – The 3 Ps: Pilot Projects and Prototypes

    Janna Levitt highlighted ongoing research and pilot projects to explore innovative solutions to Canada’s housing crisis. Recent zoning reforms in Toronto have facilitated the development of gentle density housing, but outdated building codes remain a barrier. A key issue is the Building Code’s requirement for two exit staircases in buildings over two stories. This restricts…

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  • Let’s Talk About Placemaking: Scaling Impact, Building Community

    Placemaking is a powerful tool for fostering connection, strengthening local identity, and enhancing public spaces in ways that resonate with people’s lived experiences. It also plays a crucial role in helping communities recover from crises. The discussion highlighted placemaking as an instinctive and universal concept that transcends geography, culture, and history. Ryan Smolar underscored its…

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  • Good Neighbours, Strong Regions: Cultivating Regional, Cross-border Strategies to Build Local Economies

    The discussion highlighted the growing importance of cross-border and regional cooperation in strengthening local economies. Panellists emphasized that economic regions often span provincial and national borders, creating both challenges and opportunities. For example, Isabelle Veilleux noted that while Gatineau and Ottawa are physically close, differing regulations complicate labor mobility and transit systems. Strengthening collaboration across…

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