Why Affordable Housing is Within Reach for Canadians with Mark Kenney

“It's a matter of really changing the housing strategy
completely in our country and coming up with things that make
more sense.” — @MKenneyCAPREIT


While there are regional variations, it’s no secret that, for
many people in Canada, housing is becoming increasingly
unaffordable. Today’s guest, however, believes that the answer to
solving Canada’s housing crisis is right in front of us. In this
episode, we sit down with Mark Kenney, President and CEO of
CAPREIT, to discuss some of the policies that are driving rapidly
escalating housing costs in the country and why a land lease
approach is the obvious solution. Mark has nearly 30 years of
experience in the multifamily sector, having previously held
senior positions at Realstar Management Partnership, Greenwin
Property Management, and Tridel. He is also a board member and
prior chair of the Federation of Rental Housing Providers of
Ontario, a board member of St. Hilda's Towers, and a founding
board member of the GTAA.

For those who don't know, CAPREIT is Canada's largest publicly
traded provider of rental housing, which owns or has interests in
nearly 67,000 residential apartment suites, townhomes, and
manufactured housing community sites across Canada, the
Netherlands, and Ireland.

Tuning in today, you’ll get a glimpse into what the land lease
model entails, who it appeals to, and why affordable housing is
within reach for Canadians, so make sure not to miss this
insightful conversation with CAPREIT’s Mark Kenney!


Key Points From This Episode:


What led Mark to the multifamily sector nearly 30 years ago
and what made him stay

One of the most challenging parts of Mark’s career: the human
tragedies he witnesses

The important role that a strong team played in CAPREIT’s
success during COVID

Insight into CAPREIT’s land lease approach to affordable
housing

A look at the 13,000 communities that offer land lease
opportunities across Canada

Mark’s belief that land leases in rural settings are the
obvious solution to the affordable housing crisis in Canada

Why a land lease model is especially appealing to first-time
buyers, families, and retirees

Overcoming barriers put in place by the Planning Act and
inclusionary zoning policies

What the next year looks like for the rental housing market
with cost pressures on all fronts

Why Mark believes it’s time to change the housing strategy
and create better solutions

How CAPREIT is creating safe accommodation for Ukrainian
refugees, starting with shortcutting housing requirements

The municipal service requirements that are at the heart of
Canada’s housing crisis

The impact of remote work and the trend towards settling in
rural versus urban locations



Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:


Mark Kenney on LinkedIn

Mark Kenney on Twitter

CAPREIT

CAPREIT on LinkedIn

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