Forum Connects University of Guelph Students With Those Working to Address Affordable Housing Issues

GUELPH, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 27, 2011) -

Attention: Assignment Editors / Municipal Reporters

Real Estate and Housing majors from the University of Guelph and local housing stakeholders met with housing professionals from across Ontario to share experiences and promising approaches to the development of affordable housing. Participants at the Wellington-Guelph Housing Forum explored whether partnership strategies from other communities could be adopted for people living in the County of Wellington and the City of Guelph.

The event was organized in partnership with the County of Wellington, University of Guelph and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

"The County of Wellington continues to be a municipal leader by delivering quality affordable housing to residents in Wellington and the City of Guelph," said County Councillor Gordon Tosh. "There continues to be a limited number of affordable housing units available in our community, and the need continues to surpass the supply. I receive calls regularly from people facing homelessness. It is critical that we establish strong community partnerships and continue to work together so we can make future affordable housing projects a reality."

More than 100 forum participants listened as private developers spoke to their success stories in providing affordable housing through new construction and conversion projects, with emphasis on strategic public/private partnerships to create units for low-income tenants.

As part of the response to addressing affordable housing issues, University of Guelph's award-winning 'Service Learning in Housing' course connects students to those in need, which fosters understanding of how private sector partnerships are able to provide solutions to meet the needs of lower-income households.

"As real estate practitioners, mostly working in the private sector, our students will need to be part of the solution when they graduate. This year's forum is particularly relevant to the students as the speakers are private developers who have found a way to increase the supply of private rental units in Ontario," said Jane Londerville, Associate Professor, University of Guelph.

The forum partners hope that discussions with students and housing stakeholders will spark innovative approaches and illustrate how partnerships can reduce the capital costs and provide affordable housing options.

Presentations included success stories from John D'Angelo, known for Chapleview Residences in Brampton, a LEED and Platinum Certified project providing 200 units of affordable housing. Aurel Boucher of McKenzie Heights in Pembroke profiled the conversion of a decommissioned school into affordable, accessible units for low-income seniors.