Greater Vancouver is in the midst of a housing affordability crisis. In the Greater Vancouver Economic Scorecard 2016, the region earned a "D" grade for housing affordability, ranking 15^th out of 17 similar jurisdictions around the world.

Our region's poor housing affordability inhibits our ability to attract and retain talented workers, which directly affects the ability to grow businesses.

Housing Forum 2017 will focus on how we can start addressing affordability, in order to keep our region livable and economically competitive. This forum will also feature the release of a new GVBOT housing report, which will outline the need to increase supply through density and diverse housing options, also known as "The Missing Middle."

Hear from developers, academics, business owners, municipal officials, and community leaders on one of the most pressing issues facing our region.

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Keynote

Eric Carlson
President, Anthem Properties

Session 1

Human Capital and "The Missing Middle"

Greater Vancouver's poor housing affordability has real impacts on business, particularly when it comes to human capital. This panel will engage business leaders and economists to explore the economic implications of our region's housing affordability problem.

Michelle Davey, Superintendent, Vancouver Police Department
Kira Gerwing, Community Investment Manager, Vancity Credit Union
Tsur Somerville, Senior Fellow, UBC Centre for Urban Economics and Real Estate
Jon Stovell, President, Reliance Properties
Moderator: Janet Austin, CEO, YWCA Metro Vancouver

Session 2

Creating More Supply: Density and Affordability

There is no silver bullet solution to Greater Vancouver's housing affordability crisis. But there are some decisions that can be made to improve affordability. This panel will look at those solutions through the lens of creating more supply.

David Hutniak, CEO, LandlordBC
Anne McMullin, President and CEO, Urban Development Institute
Andrew Ramlo, Executive Director, Urban Futures
Kishone Roy, CEO, BC Non-Profit Housing Association
Moderator: Hayley Woodin, Multimedia reporter, Business in Vancouver

Session 3

YIMBY: The Way Forward

In order to build more supply, it will be up to communities to guide this change. In major cities around the world, the YIMBY (Yes In My Back Yard) movement has risen up in a grassroots way to help address affordability for everyone. This panel will discuss the rise of the YIMBY movement and ways in which the audience can get involved.

Mike Clay, Chair, Metro Vancouver Housing Committee and Mayor, Port Moody
Daniel Fontaine, CEO, BC Care Providers Association
Simka Marshall, Chairperson, British Columbia Federation of Students
Daniel Oleksiuk, Member, Abundant Housing Vancouver
Moderator: Jon Woodward, Reporter, CTV Vancouver

Forum Sponsors:

Community Sponsors:

Sponsorship Opportunities
Do you want to gain direct access to the senior-level audience at this event? As a sponsor, you will benefit from enhanced visibility, which can lead to new business and increased brand recognition. We offer a wide range of opportunities. To discuss how we can help boost your business, call Lisa at 604-640-5484 or email sponsorship@boardoftrade.com.