About
Who is Glassworks?
Owen Sound Glassworks Development Co-operative Inc (aka Glassworks) is a co-operative made up of staff, members, and board who are working towards and mission, vision, values, and aims of the co-operative as listed below.
Vision: Glassworks Co-operative is shaping a future where people of all ages and different means can learn, work, and live with shared values and amenities in an attainable, net-zero community.
Mission: Glassworks exists to facilitate an attainable mixed-income, net-zero community with a range of affordable housing models, economic development projects, and environmental programs.
Values: Sustainability, Affordability, Community
Aims:
Facilitate the development of affordable homeownership in attainable, sustainable, mixed-income, net-zero neighbourhoods BY securing land and working with partners with housing development expertise and aligned values.
Develop and operate economic development projects BY planning, developing and investing in a Social Enterprise Employment Hub, events and training.
Initiating environmental programs BY working with local partners and securing sustainable revenue streams through membership in the co-op, the housing development process and economic activities.
Glassworks Development Co-op is working with Home Opportunities Non-profit to develop a pedestrian-centric neighbourhood of approximately 300 to 400 high-quality, financially accessible condo units, providing individuals and families the opportunity to become home-owners. At least 60% of the households served will have incomes between $35,000 and $85,000 per annum, helping address Owen Sound’s number one barrier to economic growth and prosperity, the housing crisis. Specifically, 3% of units will be reserved for those living on minimum wage (in the $35,000 range).
Key design principles and outcomes will include:
A pathway to affordable home ownership (+ 60% units serving annual household incomes of $35,000 - $85,000 and a save to own program for up to 10% of the units).
High performance homes (low maintenance, energy and water consumption costs optimized).
Climate resilience (designed to last 100+ years and withstand and remain robust in the face of changing and intensifying weather and natural disasters).
The integration of Cohousing principles (shared space, commons, thriving smaller communities, ways of organizing the community).
The incorporation of accessibility into a significant portion of the site, commons and private homes.
Considers and embeds other usage and functions including protection of the land, food production, social enterprises, education and employment.
Home Opportunities will help advise the Glasswork’s Board and co-ordinate key aspects on its behalf based upon the defined principles and outcomes and services of the contract relating to planning, financing, design, marketing and sales. The goal if all goes according to plan is to have future residents living in Glassworks Village by or before 2028.
We believe in a future where people of all ages and means can learn, work, live and play in Owen Sound. Glassworks fosters open dialogue, shared learning, and collective improvement with the community housing sector and broader co-op movement. Glassworks Village will be grounded in a shared responsibility for the community and each other.
Cooperative Principles
As named by the Ontario Cooperative Association
Voluntary and Open Membership: membership is open to all who accept the responsibilities of being a member, without discrimination. To learn more about becomming a member of Glassworks visit our membership page.
Democratic Member Control: co-ops are controlled by their members. Each member has one vote. Co-ops give members the information they need to make good decisions and take part in the life of the co-op.
Autonomy and Independence: co-ops are independent associations. They follow the laws that apply to them and their agreements with governments or other organizations. But the members control the co-op.
Education and Training: co-ops offer education and training to the members, directors and staff so that everyone can play a full role in the life of the co-op. Co-ops find ways to tell the public what they are and what they do.
Cooperation Among Cooperatives: by organizing together in federations, co-ops grow stronger and help to build a healthy co-op movement.
Concern for Community: co-ops work to build strong communities inside and outside the co-op. They help to improve the quality of life for others and they take care to protect the environment.
Meet out Board of Directors
Edward Barker, CPA
Board Member
Kelsey Carriere
Board Member
Francis Corrigan
Board Member
Kris Stevens
Board Member
Jason MacDonald
Board Member
Michael Sacco, PhD
Board Member
Bring your skills and energy to the table.
Maybe you love the idea of a sustainable, affordable housing community. Perhaps you are a seasoned volunteer who wants to use your skills and talents in a new way. Glassworks accepts applications for board members and circles (committees) on a rolling basis, we reach out to folks who have let us know their interest. Please note that new Board Members are elected at our Annual General Meetings (usually in March). Not sure if you are ready to commit to a board or circle role but want to know more? Email glassworkscoop@gmail.com
Partnerships Matter
Glassworks is proud to work with organizations that align with our vision, mission and values. Check out the awesome folks helping to bring Glassworks from idea to fruition.
Interested in partnering? Email us at glassworkscoop@gmail.com
Glassworks Co-op
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glassworkscoop@gmail.com
Copyright 2024 Glassworks Cooperative Village, a project of Owen Sound Glassworks Development Cooperative Inc.
Edward Barker, CPA
Edward has a number of university degrees and a varied work history from Price Waterhouse Coopers. Edward was assigned by the Ontario Minister of Finance to act as the lead negotiator for the Province prior to the implementation of the federal GST. A role that ending up as acting for all Provinces and Territories.
Edward says, “The idea of providing over 300 potential homes at a reasonable cost to the community is very attractive as it will definitely beneficially impact the city.”
Edward offers a wealth of experience at the Board level. Usually resulting in being appointed voluntary Treasurer – at GBHS, Federal Liberal Party, The Women’s Shelter, Billy Bishop House, Church Boards, etc. As well, Ed is a semi-retired CPA that has spent considerable time involved in nonprofit entities including co-ops.
Jason MacDonald
Jason MacDonald currently serves as the Political Action Advisor for the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers. For over 10 years Jason has worked closely with Municipal, Provincial and Federal levels of Government advancing and protecting workers rights and creating employment opportunities locally and nationally. Jason served as Board Chair for Community Living Kincardine and District for almost 10 years working closely with Operations, ensuring the advancement of programs and services for clients. Jason volunteers locally coaching minor sports and assisting with various community initiatives. Jason is very passionate about “all things local”, and takes great pride in serving the communities and region where he grew up. He knows firsthand how smaller communities require non cookie cutter approaches to their programs and services and believes strongly in affordable housing for all.
Michael Sacco, PhD
Passionate about sustainable agriculture, fair trade, and ethical sourcing | PhD in Indigenous Studies (Agricultural Economics and Interculturality) | Committed to creating positive social and environmental impact through food systems transformation | Currently driving sustainability initiatives at Chocosol Traders | Open to networking and collaboration opportunities!
About Me: I am a dedicated professional with a PhD in Indigenous Studies (Agriculture Economics and Interculturatily), specializing in sustainable food systems and fair trade practices. My career journey has been driven by a deep passion for promoting ethical sourcing, supporting small-scale farmers, and fostering environmental stewardship within the food industry.
Current Role: At Chocosol Traders, I am fortunate to contribute to our mission of creating regenerative and equitable food systems. As CEO, I lead initiatives to ensure the ethical sourcing of cacao, coffee, and other ingredients, while also fostering relationships with local and international farming communities. Together with our team, I am committed to delivering high-quality products that reflect our values of fairness, transparency, and environmental responsibility.
Notable Accomplishments:
● Implemented sustainable sourcing strategies that have enhanced the traceability and quality of our ingredients.
● Established partnerships with small-scale farmers and cooperatives, promoting fair trade practices and supporting community development.
● Contributed to product development efforts, introducing innovative and responsibly sourced ingredients to our offerings.
● Collaborated with cross-functional teams to build SQF certified cradle to cradle chocolate factory in Toronto, Ontario 2023
● Spearheaded the regeneration of jaguar cacao trees and chocolates in the international chocolate community and in the Indigenous forest gardens of Oaxaca, Mexico.
Let's Connect: I am always eager to connect with like-minded professionals who share a passion for sustainability, fair trade, and social responsibility. Whether you're interested in discussing potential collaborations, sharing insights, or simply exchanging ideas, I welcome the opportunity to connect and explore how we can create positive change together.
Kris Stevens
Kristopher is a community builder focused on advancing a more sustainable future for his son, family, friends and the people of Canada. He is an experienced leader and advisor in the field of sustainability with more than 15 years experience. Kristopher specializes in developing and implementing strategies that bring together commercial, public, indigenous and community partners to create individual, social, economic and ecological value.
Highlights from his career include: advancing the Community Wealth Non-profit development approach to workforce housing, indigenous housing and cohousing that makes home ownership accessible to those with annual incomes of $30,000 a year, advancing the indiginization of the trades, serving seven years as the Executive Director of the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association, initiating Ontario’s successful Green Energy and Economy Act campaign, recruiting executives for Fortune 500 multinationals in Asia and researching economic reform in Africa and the sensitive topic of social friction in Ontario’s electricity sector.
Kristopher currently serves as the Executive Director of Cohousing Options Canada, Sustainability and Innovation Advisor for the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers, a Consultant and Director of Roots to Roofs Community Development Society, President of Smart Net Coalition Board, an advisor to the American Cohousing Association and a Director of the Aboriginal Skilled Workers Association. He previously served as a Director on the Board of the Canadian Cohousing Network and Sage Senior Cohousing Advocates.
Kelsey Carriere
Kelsey is one of the founding members of Glassworks Co-op and is passionate about progressive community-driven solutions to wicked and urgent problems. Her work stems from the premise that through thoughtful design and collaborative planning we can develop dynamic systems and viable solutions to complex issues impacting our community like housing affordability and the need to drastically reduce the environmental impact of our lifestyles.
Kelsey has a background in environmental studies and community arts and brings a Masters degree in Urban Planning and a lifetime of community development project expertise to the team. She grew up in Grey-Bruce, and started the Wiarton Farmers’ Market and the Rising Sun Bakery. In Toronto, she Co-Founded PS Kensington - a 20 year running celebration of Community, Culture and Ecology in Kensington Market, worked at Park People running their national conferences and professional services and is now a Senior Project Manager with the City of Toronto helping build pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
Francis Corrigan
Francis lives in the High Park area of Toronto and is a secondary school technology teacher specializing in Construction Technology. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Waterloo), Bachelor of Education (Toronto), and Master of Public Administration (Queen’s).
He is a past president, 25 year board member and current member of Home Ownership Alternatives (HOA), a not for profit trust fund with assets of approximately $100 million. He currently serves on the Audit committee. HOA facilitates the construction of large condominium projects that start as non-profit coops and eventually become ownership housing.
He is a current member and a former board member and treasurer of Toronto Refugee Community Non-profit Homes and Services, operated as Romero House, which provides accommodation and community services to refugees.
His connection to Owen Sound is that his son and his family are residents of the city. Owen Sound is a possible retirement destination for Francis and his wife.