The Missing Middle with Mike Moffatt and Sabrina Maddeaux

Local politics in Toronto are putting a wrench in citywide housing goals. The debate over garden suites on Craven Road illustrates how NIMBYism and endless consultations can stall progress. Hilariously, they reference a McSweeney's satire about public hearings. The hosts emphasize the need for consistent zoning rules to simplify building processes. Current residents dominate discussions, sidelining future tenants. As a call to action, they encourage listeners to advocate for garden suites and equitable housing solutions.

Ontario's family housing crisis is forcing young families to migrate from the GTA, altering regions like Peterborough and Ottawa. The hosts discuss the impact of ground-oriented homes and how the GTA's housing shortage ripples outward. Demographic shifts since 2016 have strained housing markets, while municipalities struggle to keep pace with rising populations. The discussion highlights migration patterns, the future needs for family-friendly homes, and necessary policy reforms for Eastern Ontario. Personal reflections on the decision to move add a relatable touch.

The discussion dives into the phenomenon of shrinkflation, revealing how everyday items like Kraft Dinner are getting smaller while prices climb. They explore the psychology behind packaging tricks, and how the housing market is plagued by increasingly tiny condos. Stats show Ontario's new condo sizes have drastically fallen, raising questions about design flaws and developer greed. There's a compelling look at whether these trends are driven by consumer preference or economic necessity, alongside potential policy solutions to combat shrinkflation.

Ontario's housing market faces a crisis beyond just downtown condos, with alarming drops in sales across 34 municipalities. Pre-construction sales are plummeting, signaling a bleak future as affordability worsens. Experts predict a staggering loss of 21,000 jobs tied to the weakened housing sector. The ambitious target of 1.5 million new homes by 2032 feels increasingly unreachable. Political accountability remains lackluster, raising questions about government action as the industry treads into uncertain waters.

The discussion dives into Ontario’s return-to-office mandate and its implications for younger workers already struggling with high housing costs and long commutes. The hosts explore productivity versus employer control and the conflicting goals of ESG targets. Producer Meredith shares her insights on the importance of mentorship and face-to-face social interactions in fostering collaboration, while challenging the notion that remote work is a complete substitute for in-person office culture.

Dive into the chaos of Canada's condo market crash and what it means for aspiring homeowners. Explore the perplexing issue of housing shrinkflation, where smaller living spaces come at a high cost. The discussion highlights the struggles of middle-class families faced with declining affordability, despite falling prices. Frustrations mount over government policies that prioritize rentals instead of supporting homeownership. Is Canada on a path to becoming a nation of perpetual renters? Tune in for insights and thought-provoking analysis.

Ever wonder what people at think tanks actually do all day? In this episode of The Missing Middle, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt pull back the curtain on the mysterious world of think tanks. From how they’re structured and funded, to the challenges of staying independent, they explore what really goes on behind the scenes. You’ll also hear about career opportunities for young professionals, why U.S. think tanks dwarf their Canadian counterparts, and how think tanks influence policies that affect our everyday lives—from housing to poverty reduction. If you’ve ever been curious about the brains behind public policy, this episode is for you.Chapters00:00 Introduction03:00 Understanding think tanks04:38 The structure and function of academic think tanks07:53 Funding models: how think tanks sustain themselves09:34 Misconceptions about think tank funding11:58 Maintaining independence: challenges and strategies16:13 Career opportunities in think tanks18:09 Comparing Canadian and American think tanksHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Why do some infill housing projects spark outrage while others fly under the radar? In this episode of The Missing Middle, host Sabrina Matto sits down with former London City Councillor and researcher Jesse Helmer to unpack 15 years of planning committee decisions. They explore why certain housing proposals face fierce opposition, what factors reduce pushback, and how cities can actually build more homes with community support. From surprising success stories to lessons learned in local politics, this conversation sheds light on the politics of infill housing—and why it matters for solving Canada’s housing crisis.If you’re interested in urban planning, housing affordability, or how communities can embrace smarter growth, this episode is for you.Chapters00:00 Introduction 01:00 Infill development research with Jesse Helmer02:40 Factors influencing opposition to housing proposals05:30 Research methodology and analysis08:23 Following up with residents after a project is built11:15 Jesse’s personal journey as a London city councillor14:08 Optimism for housing solutions16:28  Personal reflections about Jesse’s time on London city councilResearch:https://www.missingmiddleinitiative.ca/p/the-politics-of-infill-housing-whatGuest: Jesse Helmer:  https://x.com/jesse_helmerHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Canadian cities are facing a creative crisis. Rising housing costs are driving artists, musicians, designers, and other innovators out — and it’s not just culture that’s at risk. In this episode, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt break down how losing the “creative class” hurts local economies, tourism, and even a city’s ability to attract tech and finance talent. From the ripple effects on nightlife and small businesses to the loss of vital cultural spaces, we explore why cities can’t afford to price out their creative heartbeat — and what policies could help keep them.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:13 Defining the creative class exodus02:57 How housing costs impacts creative workers05:54 The economic consequences of pricing out creatives08:45 The ripple effect of losing creative spaces to the housing crisis11:16 You can’t simply trade artists for tech workers 12:50 How this impacts the tourism economy14:50 Policy solutions for retaining creativesResearch/Links:Richard FloridaToronto Arts Council economic impact studyCBC Arts article on artist couples leaving TorontoRichard Florida's work on creative cities and economic developmentBusiness Parks Suck (but they don't have to)Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Young Canadians are feeling the weight of taxes while grappling with soaring housing costs. The hosts propose bold tax reforms to create a fairer system and tackle wealth inequality. They discuss the pressing need for innovative solutions that make homeownership attainable for the next generation. Through insightful humor and deep analysis, they reveal the disconnect between generations regarding wealth and offer empathetic approaches to housing policies. This conversation is not just about the challenges but also about actionable reforms for a sustainable future.