"We cannot simultaneously say we want affordable housing, protect farmland and oppose new homes in existing neighbourhoods. At some point, those positions become incompatible. If we choose to protect the countryside, we must also be willing to welcome more neighbours within our cities. That's the tradeoff"
"This is not a story with heroes on one side and villains on the other. Everyone has spent years protecting their own interests."
"Housing decisions aren’t just about affordability in a narrow sense. They’re about livability. Flexibility. The ability to see yourself in a space for more than a short period of time."
"This isn’t a silver bullet for the housing crisis. No single policy change will be. But it is meaningful because it represents real savings for people trying to enter the housing market."
"If hard work does not lead to the future you hoped for, or even to basic security, it becomes difficult to stay motivated. It is fair to ask why anyone would keep pushing when the reward feels permanently out of reach."
"We talk endlessly. About how we got here. About root causes. About innovative policies and promising ideas. About what other cities are doing and what different levels of government are or are not responsible for. We hold panels. We write reports. We study the problem from every possible angle. And at the end of all that, we still don’t have enough housing. Because we are pondering in a crisis."
"But this holiday season, we need to bring hope back into the housing conversation. We can’t settle for the status quo. We can’t allow another generation to lose faith that safe, stable housing is possible."
"Our relationship to housing feels different today. It used to be a home first and an asset second. Now it often feels like that order is reversed."
"Housing is so important, but it’s more than just a roof. We can’t reduce people and homes to simple numbers. We need housing designed for people"
"It’s possible a different approach could be cheaper but doing what’s been done means known cost. Innovation is risky, especially when delays can sink a project. So we get more of what’s already been built, homes shaped by financial predictability, not by livability."
"No number of extra shifts at work or cutting back on dinners out is going to bridge that gap."
“Strong communities are built when compassion meets action — and that’s exactly what this partnership represents,” said Julie Millard, VP, Corporate Citizenship at OpenText.
In a bold and visionary step toward solving the housing crisis, the City of Waterloo has finalized the transfer of city-owned land at 2025 University Avenue East for one of the largest and most ambitious affordable housing projects in Canada.
"Our future lies in smarter, more inclusive communities. That means accepting, and even embracing, density—not as a last resort, but as a necessary step toward solving the housing crisis"
"We need zoning that reflects how folks live today. And we need funding models that prioritize suitability, not just scale"
"Anytime the topic of high-density housing is brought up there is sure to be a contingent that says they support the idea, just not in their backyard (NIMBY)"
"In a world that often feels chaotic, it's comforting to know that here in Waterloo Region, we have a history of coming together"
"Every party has outlined some policies and goals, and it’s up to us, as voters, to take a close look at these plans. What we need now is more than just quick fixes. We need wide ranging, long-term solutions that tackle affordability at its core."
"If we want this crisis fixed, we need to sort out this paradox. Do we want this fixed or not? If so, we need to loudly support the fixes when our politicians respond to our demands for action."
"We need to show our confidence in those displaying this confident humility. Confidence in our leaders. Confidence in industry experts. Confidence in our shared commitment to a better community."
Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region and BUILD NOW: Waterloo Region Announce Exciting New Development Proposal to Waterloo City Council
Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region and BUILD NOW: Waterloo Region Announce Exciting New Development Proposal to Waterloo City Council
Habitat for Humanity Canada's third annual Affordable Housing Survey reveals a stark reality in Canada’s deepening housing crisis:
"We need more of this "get things done" attitude from all levels of government. It's something we’re fortunate to see here in Waterloo Region"
"So how do we fix housing? I have an idea, but first, let’s talk about firetrucks."
"Anytime the topic of high-density housing is brought up there is sure to be a contingent that says they support the idea, just not in their backyard (NIMBY)"
"Amazon is also proud to support the construction of 24 stacked townhomes in Cambridge through a donation to Habitat for Humanity. The project will provide working families in need with access to home ownership."
"We are currently seeking Request for Proposal (RFP) submissions from qualified service providers to deliver expert bookkeeping services. This is a great opportunity to highlight your expertise and join us for a valuable partnership."
"The light is already falling and we need to change how we think about housing. We can’t focus on back yards, parking spaces, and garages if we want to get this crisis under control"
“Today’s announcement shows the transformation that comes from these strong partnerships within the housing sector"
"Today, the City of Kitchener and Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region announced the inaugural phase of “BUILD NOW: Waterloo Region”, a first of its kind in Canada"
"When addressing housing issues, we must acknowledge the true extent of the problem, which surpasses our initial perceptions."
"We cannot continue to say we need affordable housing in one sentence only to follow it with reasons why not this housing"
"Too often, attempts to pinpoint blame result in each party deflecting accountability. Meanwhile, the community continues to suffer from a housing shortage"
"This is a crisis and we cannot allow ourselves the luxury of time because, to be frank, we’ve run out."
Habitat for Humanity Canada has released the results of a new national survey revealing Canadians’ attitudes towards the affordable housing crisis in Canada and sheds light on the growing barriers to housing and homeownership. The Habitat for Humanity Canada Affordable Housing Survey, which measured the perceptions of Canadian homeowners and renters, also sheds light on the growing concerns and barriers to homeownership including lack of housing supply, increased cost of living, discriminati...
"We need to change how we think about housing and the stigma we have always attached to affordable housing."
"We need to shift from the private to the public space. Because we cannot end our housing crisis one backyard at a time."
"This is a system failing in real time. A failure driven in no small part due to a lack of options. There are simply not enough homes for people at affordable price points. Without an influx of suitable housing options, prices will continue to rise."
Your financial support, your voice and your time will help build homes, communities and hope alongside families in need of a decent place to live.
Donate Today
