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Cornerstone’s Housing Action & Solutions Expo (CHASE) is a pivotal event focused on addressing today’s housing challenges through innovative and actionable strategies. 

Thursday, March 26, 2026 

10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

(Doors open at 9:00 AM) 

Carmen’s Event Centre in Hamilton

1520 Stone Church Rd E, Hamilton, Ontario

TICKETS

Free for Full Cornerstone Members (no-show policy in effect) 

Non-Member ticket price: $85 + HST 

Taking place on March 26, 2026, at Carmen’s Event Centre in Hamilton, this event will feature a keynote address by Dr. Mike Moffatt of the Missing Middle Initiative, followed by insightful presentations from Shaun Cathcart of the Canadian Real Estate Association, who will provide a comprehensive overview of the economy and housing market, and David Coletto of Abacus Data, who will present brand-new local polling data. 

Attendees will hear three dynamic panels with experts in their respective fields as they discuss housing solutions and opportunities, and explore a tradeshow with unique vendors.  

Join the discussion shaping the future of housing in Canada! 
 

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Mike Moffatt is a Canadian economist, Founding Director of the University of Ottawa's Missing Middle Initiative, and a professor of Business, Economics, and Public Policy at Ivey Business School. He has held a number of think-tank roles, including succeeding Diana Carney as Director of Policy and Research at Canada 2020, a progressive Canadian think-tank. Between 2013 and 2015 Mike served as an economic advisor to Liberal Party of Canada leader Justin Trudeau, and in 2017 he was named Chief Innovation Fellow for the Government of Canada.

Latest Polling Data

David Coletto, Abacus Data 

Housing Market Outlook

Shaun Cathcart
Director and Senior Economist, Housing Data and Market Analysis

Greetings from the Government

Hon. Graydon Smith
Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Agenda

9:00 AM to 10:00 AMRegistration Opens / Networking / Tradeshow
10:00 AM to 10:15 AMWelcome from Cornerstone Chair Julie Sergi 
10:15 AM to 10:35 AM Greetings from the Government: Associate Minister Graydon Smith
10:35 AM to 11:10 AM Housing Market Outlook with Shaun Cathcart, CREA 
11:10 AM to 11:30 AM Latest Polling Data with David Coletto, Abacus Data 
11:30 AM to 12:00 PMKeynote by Dr. Mike Moffatt, Missing Middle Initiative 
12:00 PM to 1:00 PMBuffet Lunch / Tradeshow 
1:00 PM to 1:25 PMPanel 1: Innovative Housing Takes Center Stage
1:25 PM to 2:05 PMPanel 2: The Politics and Policy of Housing 
2:05 PM to 2:30 PMPanel 3: If We Build It, Will They Come?  
2:30 PM to 3:00 PMClosing Remarks
3:00 PMTradeshow Closes

Panel 1: Innovative Housing Takes Center Stage

Examining alternative housing strategies, including accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and pre-fab homes, with an emphasis on coordination, development, land planning, financial considerations, and legal implications.

Moderated by Sandra Longden, Cornerstone Director & Local Advocacy Chair 
Adrian McInerney, Your Mortgage Pro 
Michelle Diplock, RPP - Nethery Planning
Natalie Ponciano-Clermont, Real Estate and Business/Commercial law, Ponciano Law 
Sarah Cipkar, Founder and CEO of Resimate Inc 

Panel 2: The Politics and Policy of Housing

Dive into the complex world of housing policy and its impact on innovative solutions. The focus will centre on the crucial interplay between politics, legislation, and community needs. 

Moderated by Tim Hudak, Partner, Counsel Public Affairs
Mayor Andrea Horwath, City of Hamilton
Monica Ciriello, MPP for Hamilton Mountain 
John-Paul Danko, MP for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas 

Panel 3: If We Build It, Will They Come?

Building on the discussions from the first two panels, experts will explore how successful implementation hinges on coordinated efforts in policy and planning. The final panel will address the realities of project viability and affordability.  

Moderated by Bill Duce, CEO, Cornerstone
Scott Andison, CEO, Ontario Home Builders’
Association (OHBA)
Karen Coviello, Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at Habitat for Humanity Canada 

Become a Vendor

Join Cornerstone on March 26, 2026, for the inaugural Cornerstone Housing Action & Solutions Expo (CHASE). This event is designed to connect REALTORS®, industry leaders, and stakeholders dedicated to addressing critical housing challenges and opportunities.