Leaders Lunch Tackles Housing Challenges in Abbotsford
Pohl Strategic was present at the recent Leaders Lunch put on by the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, which was focused on the theme of “Building Intentional Communities.”
As a marketing agency that specializes in the architectural and construction industries, we’ve been exploring our social purpose and looking for opportunities to be involved in addressing local housing insecurity. It’s not the only area of social concern on our minds, but it’s definitely a major issue facing our city and something that we’d like to engage.
The event was well attended by a blend of local business owners, property developers, city council members, and other concerned citizens. In the promo for the event, the stated vision for Abbotsford was “liveable, complete neighbourhoods that prioritize social cohesion, shared spaces, and sustainable transportation options.”
If you look around Abbotsford these days, it’s clear that, as a city, we’re not quite there yet.
Instead, many Abbotsford residents battle social isolation, housing shortages, and varying levels of disconnection. Although many more may love their experience of living in the city, the challenges facing us as a community are daunting.
Photography by Dale Klippenstein
Those who gathered for the Leader Lunch at Abbotsford Airport’s Hangar venue were not naïve to the difficulties facing a rapidly growing city. Rightly so, the discussion was future-oriented, with a summary that stated: “The places we build today will shape how we live tomorrow.”
The places we build today will shape how we live tomorrow.
Indeed, Abbotsford is being presented with an incredible opportunity and responsibility.
Guest speaker, Michael Geller, an outsider to the city but a respected urban planner, shared his recommendations for sustainable innovation and affordable housing. His lively presentation was followed by a panel discussion, which included more homegrown personalities who were active in local development, mostly from the private sector.
Get involved and be a part of the solution.
Generally, the outlook was positive, especially as representatives from both private and public sectors committed themselves to collaboration. The message to everyone present was clear: Get involved and be a part of the solution. Every panel member affirmed that every voice in the city mattered, and they subsequently invited all who were listening to keep the conversation going. Invitations out for coffee were abundant.
Photography by Dale Klippenstein
In conclusion, the optimism for Abbotsford was free flowing at the event, but it wasn’t hard to notice that the attendees were most likely not among those who faced the harshest adversities of living locally.
Still, it was good to gather and to garner strength for the battle ahead. For Pohl Strategic, we want to be available to collaborate in creative and sustainable housing solutions and to advocate for those who are particularly challenged.
