'Housing a real challenge,' prime minister says in Waterloo region visit

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in Kitchener on Wednesday to reiterate his government's plans to address housing affordability. 

Trudeau visited a family at their home in Kitchener, where he was joined by several Liberal caucus members, including Kitchener Conestoga MP Tim Louis, Waterloo MP Bardish Chagger and Kitchener mayor Berry Vrbanovic.

"We know that housing is a real challenge, not just here in Kitchener but right across the country and … we need to work together to solve it. We need to work together at different orders of government," Trudeau at a media event at the home.

He said the federal government's 2022 budget, which was announced earlier this month, is focused on three main pillars: Supply, savings and cutting down on speculation.

Trudeau highlighted the newly launched housing accelerator fund, a plan to spend $4 billion over five years to help cities speed up housing development. The budget also pledges to create at least 6,000 new housing units to tackle nationwide homelessness through its rapid housing initiative.  

Vrbanovic applauded the affordable housing initiative, which he said has directly impacted people in the region. He shared examples including the construction of 30 units through the K-W Urban Native Wigwam Project in Cambridge and another 40-unit affordable housing project by the YWCA and the city, as ways previous iterations of the program have contributed to the local housing supply.

"I can tell you as one city and one region, I'm ready with my colleagues to roll up our sleeves in the cities, townships and the region here to work together with you and make a difference for our future," said Vrbanovic.

'It was truly an honour,' says host family 

The Kitchener couple who hosted Trudeau said they're still wrapping their heads around meeting the prime minister.

Carolyn and Shawn MacDonald said they were approached by MP Louis about the event. 

"It was truly an honour, " said Shawn.

The couple purchased their home six years ago and has since watched housing prices soar, which leaves them concerned for the future of their three young children. They raised their concerns with Trudeau when he visited.

"We'd like to see a path where they can get into some affordable housing," said Carolyn, who said she felt encouraged following her conversation.

Muslim community meeting

Prime Minister Trudeau also met with members of the Muslim community on two separate occasions on Wednesday. 

He held a private meeting with Muslim leaders, followed by a visit to the Islamic Centre of Cambridge, which is attached to the International School of Cambridge.

"Today is a big day in the history of our community," said Mohammad Darr, the centre's vice chair.

Darr said the federal government has been supportive of the community, citing a $100,000 grant to help increase security initiatives. However, Darr said the school at the centre doesn't receive any federal funding and urged Trudeau to step up. 

"This makes it really, really hard for us," he said.

Meanwhile, Trudeau reflected on his days as an educator and thanked the students for the sacrifices they made during the pandemic. 

"You guys are inspiring," he said.