BILD Edmonton Metro’s May luncheon looked into the critical issues surrounding infrastructure and housing development in the region, and featured The Honourable Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services. From current initiatives to future opportunities, Minister Nixon, along with moderator, BILD Edmonton Metro Board Chair, and Cantiro President, Katrina Rowe, outlined shared goals when addressing housing shortages and enhancing Alberta’s competitive advantage.
Minister Nixon was first sworn in as the Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services in 2023, and previously served as Minister of Environment and Parks and Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board. Prior to his service as an elected official, he was a successful entrepreneur, and an Executive Director at The Mustard Seed, where he spent several years running an addiction treatment facility.
In his current role, the Minister has been a key voice for Alberta’s growth, housing solutions, and infrastructure development. Some of his government’s main goals are to keep up with housing supply, maintain affordability, reduce red tape, streamline approvals, and address trade barriers — both within Canada and internationally.
One way of doing this is by “doubling down on collaboration with industry partners,” he added, noting that his government would be investing nearly $1 billion in affordable housing over the next three years.
Anniversaries, Affordability, and Accessibility: A Celebration
Unlike BILD Edmonton Metro’s regular luncheons, Minister Nixon’s presentation wasn’t held on just any regular Thursday afternoon; it was also the organization’s one-year anniversary since amalgamating its two previous organizations – CHBA Edmonton and UDI Edmonton Metro Region. The organization reflected on its outstanding achievements over the past year, providing more members, more resources, and more staff to the industry.
Having Minister Nixon at the event “is a truly fitting and honourable way to celebrate BILD, all while addressing housing affordability and welcoming more people and investment to the Edmonton Metro Region,” said Cantiro Communities President and Board Chair, Katrina Rowe.
During his presentation, Minister Nixon shared how his government is working to ensure housing remains affordable and accessible across our province and expanded on his thoughts on the rising costs of living, higher interest rates, and price of housing.
With other city-building partners in the public, private, and community sectors, BILD Edmonton Metro is navigating a range of challenges and opportunities to ensure all residents — both current and future — benefit from economic prosperity and a high quality of life.
Costs and Availability on the Rise — And so are Challenges
This past summer, Alberta saw an extraordinary 32 per cent increase in housing starts, fueled by an influx of migrants into Edmonton. Currently, the development and construction industry are working tirelessly to meet this rising demand. While immigration is crucial to economic growth, Minister Nixon noted that this has only further fueled the demand for housing in Edmonton. While these demographic shifts bring more opportunities to the province, they also strain supply chains and local infrastructure.
Labour shortages, rising costs, and the ongoing housing emergency are all prevalent challenges, as well. However, these challenges are not isolated to Alberta, and Minister Nixon noted that Alberta’s unique position provides the chance to lead in innovation, regulation reform, and investment attraction.
Growing amid a Changing City
The theme of the conversation was clear: affordability. Many of the questions asked regarded increased costs, availability, and how tariffs have made an impact within the industry.
The fireside chat further clarified Mr. Nixon’s plans for the future. “Investment is key to driving development, especially in the housing sector,” said Rowe. In a time of uncertainty and rising demands, Minister Nixon acknowledged the importance of working across all levels of government, particularly with the incoming federal housing minister. With ongoing supply chain disruptions and rising construction costs, the need for national coordination and support is more urgent than ever.
With 2,500 seniors entering the system monthly, the province is merging housing and care services and exploring new solutions to meet demand, making Alberta the best place to live, raise a family, and retire,” said the Minister.
Alberta’s infrastructure and housing development are central to its future growth, and so are the people. “We don’t see a way forward without you,” said Minister Nixon. “The future for Alberta is bright.”
Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor: ATCO, our Host Bar Sponsor: S3 Precast, our Lunch Sponsor: Hi Signs, and our Supporting Sponsor: Singh Builders.
Written by Payton Phillips
