Montreal Housing Affordability Webinar

As presented at the 2025 LAI Montreal Gathering.

Intro and Craig Skelar presentation – The central theme of this panel session on Housing Affordability, which was held in September 2025, is the persistent and worsening affordability crisis in Canada and Montreal, described as a critical issue that is constantly escalating. In this portion of the panel session, Craig Sklenar (Arcadis) provides an overview of the local and national housing situation. Three key takeaways from his presentation: 1-Severe Housing Supply Deficit, 2-Ineffective Past Policies (including Montreal’s 20-20-20 inclusionary housing scheme), and 3-The Urgent Need for New Solutions. VIDEO

Caroline Sauriol and Angela Brooks presentations – The next presenter in this portion of the LAI International Housing Affordability Panel Session in Montreal, Canada, is Caroline Sauriol (Mission Unitainés). Three key takeaways from her presentation: 1-Innovative Model for Affordable Senior Housing, 2-Addressing a Growing Demographic Challenge, and 3-Demonstrating Scalable and Proven Success. The final presenter from the panel session is Angela Brooks (City of Philadelphia). Three key takeaways from her presentation: 1-Systemic Barriers to Housing Supply in the USA, 2-Collaborative Approach to Policy Reform, and 3-Need to Modernize Outdated Land Use Regulations. VIDEO

Q and A portion of Housing Affordability Panel – The Q&A session focused on comparing housing affordability challenges and solutions across North American cities, highlighting the importance of leadership, innovative building methods, and policy changes to address the housing crisis. Three key takeaways: 1-Fixing Regulatory Barriers and Improving Bureaucracy, 2-Innovative Solutions and Leadership, and 3-Housing as a Human Right. VIDEO

Sam Watt’s taped presentation –  Three key takeaways from this video greeting by Sam Watts, who sits as a member of the National Housing Council of Canada and who serves on the Urban Planning Commission of the municipality where he lives: 1-Housing affordability is a core social challenge in Canada, 2-Addressing homelessness requires a multi-faceted approach, and 3-Land use economics are at the forefront of government agendas across Canada. VIDEO