EL11

Unlocking the Missing Middle: Collaborative Solutions to the Housing Crisis


5/14/2026|EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING|STRUCTURED

4.00 ConEd Learning Hours
8:30a.m.-12:30p.m.

Also available Wednesday afternoon, EL05

This session presents a dual in-class panel discussion focused  on four case studies, as well as an experiential learning site tour. The moderated in-class panel discussion at 40 King Street South, Suite 30, is hosted in Uptown Waterloo and includes an Architect, planner, and developer. Four case studies will be presented with a question-and-answer forum at the end. Attendees will then move to a six-storey site visit two blocks away to see an active development site, led by the project Architect and developer. 

Learning Objectives
1. Clearly define missing middle housing.
2. Critically assess the regulatory, financial, and community engagement barriers that limit missing middle housing.
3. Learn how planners, developers, and Architects can work collaboratively to streamline approvals and align financial feasibility with design quality.
4. Evaluate real-world case studies (e.g. Spurline/NEO projects in Waterloo and St. Jacobs).

Ryan Mounsey, MCIP, RPP
CEO, Urban Insights Inc.
Ben Eby             
Co-founder and President, Spurline Developments Inc.
Melissa Durrell
CEO and chief strategist, Durrell Communications Inc.
Laird Robertson
OAA Founder (President and Creative Director); Neo Architecture Inc.

Activity Level: This session is Level 3 (Moderately Active) and involves walking. Dress for weather conditions and wear comfortable footwear and clothing (including a hat for sun protection). Consider bringing a refillable water bottle, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and your camera.

Registrants will meet at the Kreitmaker Experiential Learning Departure Hub in the Conference Lounge to take a transfer to the destination.

To learn more about this session's speaker(s), click here.
To register, click here.

To return to Conference Program, click here. 
 

Sign In