Toronto continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, and the demand for affordable housing has reached critical levels. What is today a housing crisis is quickly becoming a housing catastrophe without urgent action on new supply.
Join Canadian Club Toronto on December 8 for a panel of experts from government, real estate development, labour, and urban planning to address one of the most pressing challenges facing our city. Together, they will explore the root causes of Toronto’s housing crisis—including rising development costs, a lack of construction starts, labour shortages, escalating rent prices, and zoning restrictions. The discussion will also consider the real impacts on low- and middle-income families and highlight potential solutions—from innovative housing models to government interventions and community-led initiatives. Join us for an insightful conversation on how we can work together to ensure Toronto remains a city where everyone has the opportunity to find a home. Moderated by Naama Blonder, Architect & Urban Planner, this expert panel features:
*For virtual attendees, please note that the live stream will begin at approximately 12:40 pm ET & the link will be provided closer to the event date*
Ana Bailão
CEO, Build Canada Homes
Ana Bailão is a prominent leader in housing policy and public affairs, with extensive experience in municipal government and a proven track record in advancing affordable and sustainable development. She has been instrumental in catalyzing public and private partnerships within the housing sector and has been driving innovative solutions to the housing challenges Canadians are facing.
Previously, Ana was the Head of Affordable Housing and Public Affairs for Dream Unlimited Corp. At Dream, Ana was responsible for advancing Dream’s affordable housing strategy and development, strengthening partnerships with government and community stakeholders, and ensuring that development projects integrate long-term affordability and sustainability.
From 2010 to 2022, she served on Toronto City Council, including five years as Deputy Mayor. As Chair of the Planning and Housing Committee and during her time on the board of Toronto Community Housing, she led major initiatives to expand affordable housing, reform zoning, and launch programs like Housing Now and CreateTO.
Before entering public office, she held senior roles in the financial and technology sectors. She has served on numerous boards, including the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, Artscape, Toronto Public Library, and Toronto Arts Council.
Ana holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
Victoria Mancinelli
Director, Public Relations, Marketing and Strategic Partnerships, LiUNA Pension Fund of Central and Eastern Canada
Victoria Mancinelli is the Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Strategic Partnerships for the Labourers International Union of North America (LiUNA), Ontario Provincial District Council and the Region of Central and Eastern Canada.
Through outreach and education, her work aims to empower a path to economic independence, strengthen unionized labour across Canada and promote the skilled-trades as a first-choice career path.
Victoria has served on the Exhibition Board of Governors, was appointed to the Ontario Task Force on Women and the Economy, the United Way Women’s United Council, and the advisory council for a Coalition for a Better Future and Creating Alternatives Day Program. Recently, Victoria was recognized for her tireless advocacy and commitment to ending gender- based violence with the unveiling of “Victoria and Friends” Emergency Shelter for Women and children fleeing from violence, abuse and trafficking.
She is the recipient of the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, the CIPBA Woman of the Year Award, the Italian National Congress Ordine di Merito Award, Hamilton Business 40 under 40 Award in addition to numerous philanthropy achievements and recognitions for her work and advocacy.
Victoria holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and communications degree in the field of Public Relations and Marketing at Humber College.
Jaime McKenna
President, Fengate Real Estate
Jaime McKenna is President of Fengate Real Estate, where she leads the growth and strategy of a $20 billion real estate portfolio across North America.
Fengate manages over $40 billion in assets, and Jaime oversees the strategic direction and operations of the firm’s integrated real estate platform which spans residential, seniors’ communities (Seasons Retirement Communities), industrial, office, select hospitality assets and mixed-use developments. Jaime leads a team of 95 real estate professionals, bringing together expertise in investments, development, asset management, and finance to deliver shareholder value to investors and partners. Since joining Fengate, Jaime has helped scale the business by establishing a best-in-class team, driving growth through thoughtful capital deployment, lunching multiple growth funds, building strategic partnerships, and a fostering a commitment to innovation.
With over two decades of experience in real estate investment and finance, Jaime is recognized as a respected leader in the industry. She is a frequent speaker on topics including urban development, the Canadian housing market, and the future of real estate investment. Passionate about mentorship and talent development, she is also an advocate for diversity and inclusion both within Fengate and the broader real estate community.
Prior to Fengate, Jaime held progressively senior roles over an eleven-year tenure at Minto, including Chief Investment Officer of the Rental strategy. Jaime holds her CPA, CBV and ICD.D designations and sits on various boards including her Alma Matter, Trent University, and REALPAC.
Naama Blonder
Architect & Urban Planner
Naama is an architect, urban planner and urban designer. She has a bold vision: to change what good housing can and should look like in a growing city like Toronto; with that in mind, she co-founded Smart Density. Her work has received numerous awards including the prestigious Ontario Association of Architects’ Best Emerging Practice Award for 2022, Ontario Professional Planning Institute Award for Public Education in 2024 and she was a finalist of Royal Bank of Canada’s Women of Influence Award in 2023
