National Housing Day
National Housing Day, officially recognized by the Federal Government of Canada in 2000, is a day to recognize the ongoing efforts to improve access to safe and affordable housing across the country. This day highlights both the achievements and challenges that remain in addressing housing issues.
On Friday, November 20, 2026, from 1 to 4 pm, the City of Hamilton will be celebrating National Housing Day in City Hall Council Chambers by recognizing the efforts of the various levels of government, community partners and funders in addressing homelessness and housing issues. This year’s National Housing Day event will shine a light on some of the challenges families have navigating the housing continuum, with guest speakers representing community partners and funders, government agencies and people with lived/living experience. City staff will also present on the ongoing efforts to address housing and homelessness challenges.
Following the presentations, please join the guest speakers for light refreshments and networking to continue the dialogue and foster ongoing connections and collaboration.
If you are unable to attend in person, a link to the livestream of the event will be available on this webpage on the day of the event.
Agenda
- 1 to 1:05 pm - Welcome/Opening Remarks
- 1:05 to 1:10 pm - Greetings and Remarks from Mayor of Hamilton
- 1:10 to 1:15 pm - Remarks from General Manager, Healthy and Safe Communities Department, Grace Mater
- 1:15 to 1:30 pm - CMHC – Hamilton Market Outlook, Anthony Passarelli, Lead Economist, Southern Ontario
- 1:30 to 1:45 pm - Public Dividend Report – Social and Economic Impacts of Public Housing on the GTHA, Adam Sweedland, CEO, CityHousing Hamilton
- 1:45 to 2 pm - New Program Updates, Michelle Baird, Director, Housing Services Division
- 2 to 2:20 pm - SCAFFOLD (Supporting Affordable Housing Efforts), Rudi Wallace, CEO, Hamilton Community Foundation
- 2:20 to 2:35 pm - Lived Experience Perspective, Katrina Gervais, Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction
- 2:35 to 2:55 pm - Community Collaboration to Support Housing, Tom Cooper, Executive Director, Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction
- 2:55 to 3 pm - Closing Remarks
- 3 to 4 pm - Networking and Refreshments