Hogtown

Chris and Matt Spoke
  • 4.5 (23)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to Hogtown, together we explore housing topics. From local councils to provincial policies to federal initiatives, we dive into where it matters most, the decisions shaping our communities and our businesses. Along the way, we talk with people across the industry, leaders, experts, and changemakers to share real-world insights, lessons, and growth from our own business journey and beyond.

  1. JAN 30

    E49: Committee Gone Bad with Blair Scorgie

    In this episode of the Hogtown Podcast, we sat down with urban planner Blair Scorgie to discuss his growing practice, the challenges of small-scale rental development, and the realities of building “missing middle” housing in Toronto. We explore a committee of adjustment issues, policy gaps, approval delays, and the reforms needed to make mid-rise housing more feasible across the city. Follow @chrisspoke mattspoke and @BlairScorgie on X Learn more about Blair Scorgie Planning at https://www.scorgieplanning.com/

    1 hr

  2. JAN 27

    E48: New Zoning for Toronto Major Transit Stations Areas

    In this solo episode of the Hogtown Podcast, Chris reviews Toronto’s proposed zoning changes around major transit stations. He breaks down the city’s consultation presentation, analyzes provincial housing directives, and shares concerns about whether the city’s approach goes far enough to support meaningful density and housing growth. Follow @chrisspoke and @mattspoke on X

    34 min

  3. JAN 16

    E47: Can Ottawa Fix Housing? Scott Aitchison Weighs In

    In this episode of the Hogtown podcast, Scott Aitchison, a Member of Parliament and housing critic, discusses the current state of housing in Canada. Aitchison shares his extensive background in municipal politics, emphasizing his passion for housing issues that stems from his time as mayor of Huntsville. He critiques the federal government’s approach to housing under Prime Minister Mark Carney, highlighting what he sees as a lack of follow-through on key promises—such as cutting development charges and implementing tax incentives for multi-unit rental buildings. Follow @chrisspoke @mattspoke @ScottAAitchison on X.

    57 min

  4. JAN 12

    E46: Midrise Housing, Traffic Congestion and Politics!

    In this episode, we kick off the new year with a roundup of activity in Toronto housing policy. With major changes unfolding and an election approaching, we break down updates to the city’s Avenue Study, the first round of Official Plan amendments, and what those changes mean for midrise development. We also explore the city’s new midrise feasibility review, upcoming zoning changes tied to major transit station areas, and how all of it fits into Toronto’s wider push toward missing middle housing. A quick but detailed look at what’s moving — and what’s stalled — in planning and development across the city. Follow @chrisspoke and @mattspoke on X. Learn more about The Missing Middle Summit at www.missingmiddlesummit.com

    49 min

  5. 2025-12-19

    E45: Building Canada with Dan Debow

    In this conversation, Dan Debow discusses the mission of Build Canada, a non-partisan movement aimed at making Canada the most prosperous nation in the world. He emphasizes the importance of economic growth, cultural identity, and the need for civic engagement and political action. The discussion also touches on the challenges of immigration, the role of entrepreneurs, and the necessity of inspiring young Canadians to take action for a better future. Debow advocates for a daring approach to policy and governance, encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their country's direction. Follow @chrisspoke, @mattspoke, and @ddebow on X. Learn more about Build Canada at https://www.buildcanada.com

    1h 17m

  6. 2025-12-16

    E44: 2025 Year End Policy Review with Craig Race

    In this episode our guest architect and housing advocate Craig Race, founder of Lanescape and Craig Race Architects, to unpack what has been a transformative year for housing policy in Toronto. From laneway and garden suites to fourplexes and sixplexes, Craig brings a ground-level perspective on how new permissions are actually working in practice. Follow @chrisspoke, @mattspoke, and @craigitect on X. Learn more about Craig Race at⁠ www.craigrace.com⁠

    1h 19m

  7. 2025-11-27

    E43: What’s Really Slowing Down Housing? A Developer’s View from the Ground

    This episode breaks down how Toronto’s planning rules, urban design reviews, and long approval timelines often push developers away from simple, high-quality buildings and toward over-designed, costly, and ultimately less attractive projects. We discuss how NIMBY reactions tie into design expectations, why architects end up designing for city staff instead of for residents, and how policy distortions shape everything from materials to massing. We then share updates on our active projects—from walk-ups near Glencairn to a church conversion in the Junction, to mid-rise developments on Kipling and Dufferin—highlighting how real-world politics, variances, financing, and city processes affect what actually gets built. Follow @chrisspoke and @mattspoke on X

    56 min

  8. 2025-11-21

    E42: Neighbourhood Retail, Encampments, and the Policies Reshaping Toronto

    In this episode, we catch up on recent housing and urban policy developments in Toronto. We dive into the city’s new neighbourhood retail permissions, exploring how small-scale commercial uses—like corner stores and cafés—are making a comeback in select parts of the city, alongside restrictions and opportunities for future development. We also discuss the latest council motion on homeless encampments near parks and schools, analyzing its implications for city policy and urban life. Finally, we consider how these changes, paired with evolving lot severance rules and multiplex bylaws, could reshape the character, density, and vibrancy of Toronto’s neighbourhoods in the years to come. Follow @chrisspoke and @mattspoke on X

    44 min
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4.5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

Welcome to Hogtown, together we explore housing topics. From local councils to provincial policies to federal initiatives, we dive into where it matters most, the decisions shaping our communities and our businesses. Along the way, we talk with people across the industry, leaders, experts, and changemakers to share real-world insights, lessons, and growth from our own business journey and beyond.

Information

  • Creator
    Chris and Matt Spoke
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49

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