Highlights of Peel Housing and Homelessness
Summit (April 4, 2017)

Public and Private Sector Leaders Collaborate to End Homelessness in Peel

More than 250 leaders and decision-makers from public, private and not-for-profit organizations and government came together as "One United Voice for Peel" at the Region's Housing and Homelessness Summit to share ideas, develop critical relationships and identify innovative opportunities to increase affordable, safe and accessible housing in Peel.

More than 250 community and government leaders shared ideas about solving Peel's affordable housing issues.

"The Region of Peel is recognized as a leader in affordable housing and it's important for us to bring the right people to the table to continue to advocate for solutions and find innovative ways to create more housing for families and individuals in desperate need," said Regional Councillor and Human Services Section Chair Martin Medeiros.

Regional Councillor Martin Medeiros welcomes delegates.

The event featured a panel discussion with the mayors of Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga, who shared their respective municipality's perspectives on the importance of increasing affordable housing.

Panel participants: Brampton Mayor Linda Jeffrey (left), Caledon Mayor Allan Thompson (centre) and Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie (right).

Keynote speaker Avi Friedman, Professor of Architecture at McGill University and world–renowned housing innovator, challenged attendees to think outside the box when developing affordable housing options and policy. He provided compelling examples from around the world of cities that have adopted innovative solutions for high–density and mixed use spaces.

Keynote Speaker: Avi Friedman

Participants met in breakout sessions to focus on how to influence lasting, impactful change for affordable housing in Peel communities. Participants included:

Representatives from the federal, provincial, regional and municipal governments
Not–for–profit housing providers and developers
Not–for–profit service organizations
Residents

"We were encouraged by the shared passion of the attendees to make affordable housing a critical issue," said the Region of Peel's Commissioner of Human Services Janice Sheehy. "Building a Community for Life in Peel includes sustainable affordable housing and we look forward to using the insights from today to help inform our bold 10–year plan to end homelessness and ensure everyone has a home in Peel."

Learn more about the Peel Housing and Homelessness Plan.