Join Lakeshore Horizons for the free Housing & Growth Mini Conference on April 8, 2026 at The Urban Field House! Snacks and refreshments provided.
The event will engage developers, business owners, and municipal partners across the region, while also highlighting Lakeshore’s approach to growth, housing diversity, and community-focused development.
Featuring: keynote speakers, panel discussions, and presentations from experts.
8:30 AM to 2:00 PM: Morning session for developers and building professionals
The morning session will explore the potential of new approaches to middle density housing, opportunities to expedite building timelines and increase affordability, as well as ideas for placemaking and economic development to enhance Lakeshore’s communities. Morning session includes:
Keynote Speaker – Paul Kalbfleisch, author of The Joy Experiments
Panel Discussion – Small Towns, Big Visions: Gentle Density, Infill and Places That Matter feat:
- Denise Van Amersfoort – Manager of Planning, County of Huron
- Edward Thomas – President and Principal Architect, SRM Architects
- Kendra Fry – Transformation Lead, Municipality of Lakeshore
Panel Discussion – Building Differently: Prefab Construction feat:
- Lee Scott – P.Eng., MBA, Director, Sales, Element 5
- Graham Askwith – Manager of Development, Assembly Corp.
- Michael Bell – Total Precast Sales Manager, Stubbe’s
- Morris Harding – Chief Building Official, Municipality of Lakeshore
- Crystal Waddell – Engagement Lead, Architectural & Urban Designer, Centre for Cities
Lunch sponsored by Invest WindsorEssex
2:00 PM to 4:30 PM: Afternoon session for local business owners
The afternoon session focuses on enhancing the impact of businesses in our region. Afternoon session includes:
- Speaker Holly Mortimer, Business Advisor at the Stratford Perth Centre for business (investStratford), will speak about creating a landscape that attracts social media influencers and enhances tourist opportunities, as well as the usage of AI in marketing for small businesses.
- Nicole Anderson will finish the day by providing input on the upcoming Rural Economic Development Community Improvement Plan and how you can apply.
Event Details
April 8, 2026