Like many towns and cities across British Columbia, Kamloops has been experiencing a housing crisis that seems to only be getting worse over time. There seems to be a consensus about the problem but not so much about the many approaches to addressing the problem. In order to start finding solutions to the housing issues in our own community, we are excited to be curating a series of speakers to share solutions that already happening across Canada right now. Each event will focus on a speaker and programs/concepts are working and making a difference. We hope community members will join us to hear some of the progress being made elsewhere and to talk about housing in our community. All of the events will be free to attend, open to anyone interested in learning about or discussing housing solutions. RSVP now to secure your spot.
Missing Middle Housing
On Wednesday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. join us for a virtual lecture and Q&A with Tony Perez of Opticos Design to discuss the concept of the Missing Middle of the housing spectrum. Tony will talk about low and medium density development and the role it can play in community planning.
Tony Perez has spent the last 22 years helping communities improve their zoning codes with a focus on writing Form-Based Codes. An expert in translating policy direction into clear and implementable development standards, Tony works to enable the community’s vision by identifying and addressing barriers and writing responsive standards. A leader in advancing the implementation of Missing Middle Housing as well as the practice of Form-Based Codes, Tony is an energetic educator and enjoys working with public sector planners across the United States.
Learn more and RSVP to join the conversation here.
Tofino Housing Corporation
On Thursday, February 10 at 7 p.m. join us for a virtual lecture and Q&A with Ian Scott, the Executive Director of the Tofino Housing Corporation. This discussion will look at Tofino as a case study for the role that municipalities can play in helping to solve the housing crisis being experienced in many communities across BC through the development non-market housing.
Ian Scott is a Registered Professional Planner with twenty years of sustainable community planning and urban and affordable housing development experience. Ian is principal of his own planning consulting firm, which he has operated for the past nine years.
Learn more and RSVP to join the conversation here.
Symbiosis Intergenerational Living
On Thursday, March 10 at 7 p.m. join us for a virtual lecture and Q&A with Soumeya Abed, the Director and Co-Founder of Symbiosis. to discuss the benefits of intergenerational living programs.
The Symbiosis housing program at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario works to pair students and seniors in co-habitual living arrangements. This supports students in finding low-cost housing alternatives and assists seniors in tackling loneliness and creating intergenerational friendships. Soumeya Abed is a scientist and lecturer at McMaster University, where she works in the Faculty of Health Sciences.