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.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:00 Infill development research with Jesse Helmer

02:40 Factors influencing opposition to housing proposals

05:30 Research methodology and analysis

08:23 Following up with residents after a project is built

11:15 Jesse’s personal journey as a London city councillor

14:08 Optimism for housing solutions

16:28 Personal reflections about Jesse’s time on London city council

Research:

https://www.missingmiddleinitiative.ca/p/the-politics-of-infill-housing-what

Guest: Jesse Helmer: https://x.com/jesse_helmer

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.

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.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:13 Defining the creative class exodus

02:57 How housing costs impacts creative workers

05:54 The economic consequences of pricing out creatives

08:45 The ripple effect of losing creative spaces to the housing crisis

11:16 You can’t simply trade artists for tech workers

12:50 How this impacts the tourism economy

14:50 Policy solutions for retaining creatives

Research/Links:

Richard Florida

Toronto Arts Council economic impact study

CBC Arts article on artist couples leaving Toronto

Richard Florida's work on creative cities and economic development

Business 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.

Are young Canadians being taxed like millionaires while living like broke students? Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt dive into the jaw-dropping disconnect between salaries, taxes, and the insane cost of housing. From bold tax reform ideas to creative fixes for rent, down payments, and wealth inequality, they tackle the policies (and politics) holding the next generation back. Expect sharp insights, a few laughs, and fresh solutions that could actually make life affordable again.

Chapters

00:00 The Tax Burden on Young Canadians

11:24 Proposed Tax Reforms and Their Implications

23:17 Wealth Inequality and Asset Inflation

34:55 Finding Solutions for Young Canadians

Research/Links:

To fix housing, we must rethink what wealth means in Canada

CIBC chief calls for tax changes to help young Canadians struggling to save money

Canada housing affordability and market trends

Wealthsimple

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.