The city of Mississauga recently hosted a public discussion in an effort to get feedback from residents regarding its draft of a housing affordability plan.

The recent public forum gave residents the opportunity to learn about “Marking Room for the Middle: A Housing Strategy for Mississauga,” which is a 40-action plan on how to support housing affordability. The plan is focused on middle-income households who cannot afford a home at the market’s current prices and who do not meet the qualifications for public subsidies.

The public forum featured “Generation Squeeze” founder Paul Kershaw, who discussed the lessons that cities such as Vancouver learned about middle-income households. Kershaw shared his insights on how middle-class families are being “squeezed” out of the housing market and his vision for revamping Canada’s housing policy.

The city of Mississauga staff was also on hand during the public forum to share their expertise on housing. The city worked in conjunction with the Canadian Urban Institute to put on the event for residents.

As part of the city’s housing strategy draft, which is online for residents to view, Mayor Bonnie Cromble included a message for residents, stating the city’s expected growth will near 1 million people by 2041.

“Our city is thriving and well poised to foster a quality of life that is second to none," Cromble said in her message. “With growth comes change, new opportunities and new challenges.”