Schulich’s Perspectives Lecture Unites Industry Leaders to Tackle Housing Affordability
The annual Perspectives Lecture, hosted by the Schulich Real Property Alumni Association (SRPAA), delivered a powerful evening of insights, networking, and calls for action, as over 300 industry leaders, alumni, students, and faculty gathered at the Four Seasons Hotel to discuss the future of housing in Canada.
“This flagship event is a testament to the dedication of our alumni volunteers and the generous support of our sponsorship partners,” said Kyle McDowell (MREI ’21), Chair of the Perspectives Lecture and Manager, Retail Leasing, Oxford Properties. “The Schulich community is privileged to benefit from such strong alumni and industry connections.”
The event’s highlight was a compelling keynote address from Mark Kenney, President & CEO of CAPREIT, who tackled one of Canada’s most pressing issues—housing affordability. His speech, titled Calling Canada Home, was more than just a theme; it was a wake-up call. Kenney painted a stark picture of Canada’s housing crisis: soaring real estate prices outpacing income growth, a rise in violent crime linked to housing insecurity, and a critical shortfall in construction, despite the nation’s ambitious goal of building 3.5 million new homes by 2030. Kenney drew comparisons to Canada’s post-World War II housing boom, advocating for a similar scale of rapid development, leveraging modular housing and advanced construction technologies to meet today’s urgent needs. Beyond infrastructure, Kenney emphasized the importance of mentorship and leadership in shaping the next generation of real estate professionals.
The evening also marked a special moment of recognition for Christian Petersen (MBA ‘13), who was honoured for his nine years of leadership as SRPAA President. As the baton was passed to the newly appointed SRPAA Executive Council, excitement for the organization’s future was evident.
Dean Detlev Zwick expressed gratitude to all those who continue to make the Perspectives Lecture a cornerstone of Schulich’s real estate community.
“Tonight, we are joined by so many of our outstanding alumni, industry partners, and friends – the very people who make Schulich a powerhouse in real estate and infrastructure education,” Dean Zwick said. “At Schulich, we’ve been developing future leaders in real estate and infrastructure for over three decades now. Our graduates are shaping skylines, driving innovation, and tackling some of the most pressing challenges in the industry today. But we could never have done this alone. Your support – the support of our alumni, our industry partners, and our corporate friends – has been vital to our success.”
