At this year’s The Buildings Show, Kohn Partnership Architects took part in two timely panel discussions exploring how policy, design, and development can respond to Canada’s evolving housing and sustainability challenges.
In a panel focused on Toronto’s “missing middle,” the conversation examined what’s driving demand across housing types — from low-rise to high-rise — and the barriers limiting delivery. Joined by Jordan DeBrincat Mintzas of Altree Developments and Sajjad Siraty of LCG Residential, the discussion addressed the impacts of multiplex zoning and mid-rise guidelines, the realities of approvals and financial feasibility, and the importance of balancing livability, gentle density, and community support amid shifting demographics and persistent NIMBYism. The session underscored the complexity of delivering much-needed housing while adapting to changing policy and market pressures.
For a deeper dive into the “missing middle” discussion, a full session recap is available on REMI Network: bit.ly/4q2GDG4
The second panel spotlighted Zibi, Canada’s first One Planet Living community, and the transformation of a former industrial site into a sustainable, mixed-use neighbourhood. Alongside Brad Rodgers of Dream, the discussion explored Voda (Block 206) and Block 207, highlighting high-performance building systems, heritage preservation and adaptive reuse, and a net-zero carbon district energy approach. The session also emphasized social equity and innovative housing models, including co-living and affordable rental units delivered in partnership with Ottawa Community Housing.
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to meaningful discussions across both sessions.