Affordable Housing
How Bad is the Affordable Housing Crisis in Owen Sound?
According to new figures from the Ontario Living Wage Network in 2023, Owen Sound has the highest housing costs in Ontario outside of the GTA (Greater Toronto Area).
The lack of affordable accommodations undermines our community’s economic prosperity. Employers across sectors are finding it increasingly difficult to secure the workforce they need, whether it be the health care, manufacturing, the power sector, retail, tourism or our educational institutions.
Dignified housing (and especially homeownership) is out of reach for many. Social isolation is also increasing with stressors directly linked to affordability of basic needs. The need for affordable housing is clear and our unique model for ownership allows lower income households the ability to grow generational wealth and access shared amenities and multi-generational support systems.
The Glassworks Affordable Homeownership Development
CMHC defines affordability as "a household spending less than 30% of their gross income on acceptable shelter."
Many households cannot afford homeownership because they are not able to save for a significant down-payment or gain mortgage approval due to high interest rages and high housing prices. People are thus forced to remain in rentals and experience housing insecurity and high expenses. This project is designed to address the need for affordable homeownership in the Owen Sound region by providing a pathway to ownership for people who may otherwise be priced out of the market.
Glassworks (in collaboration with our Development Consultant - Home Opportunities) is working to develop a pedestrian-centric neighbourhood of approximately 300 to 500 high-quality, financially accessible homes, providing individuals and families the opportunity to become home-owners.
At least 60% of the households served will have annual incomes between $35,000 and $85,000, helping address Owen Sound’s number one barrier to economic growth and prosperity, the housing crisis.
Throughout 2025, we have been working to advance the project through the pre-development phase to achieve our vision. When we get to construction, we are committed to ensuring that construction costs are kept low and that long-term operating costs are reasonable and manageable.
Key design principles and outcomes will include:
A pathway to affordable homeownership (+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.
Consideration of non-residential uses and functions including food production, social enterprises, education and employment within good stewardship principles.
Home Opportunities Non-profit will advise the Glasswork’s Board and coordinate 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 is to have future residents living in Glassworks Village by or before 2028. More details to come as our pre-development work proceeds.
Why Affordable Homeownership?
- Strengthening our local economy by providing housing to workers and their families
- Bolstering our municipal tax base in Owen Sound
- Creating pride of ownership
- Building intergenerational wealth and community wealth to be invested back into the County
- Freeing up affordable rentals for those with incomes below $35,000
The Number One Barrier to Economic Growth and Prospertity
We have heard from employers big and small throughout the city and the region, that they cannot find and retain the employees that they need to expand and/or even maintain existing operations, because staff can’t afford to rent or buy a home (or that there are no homes to buy). The city is struggling to find and retain workers in the education, healthcare, power, manufacturing and the service sectors. Young people who want to stay in the region to start families cannot afford to buy a home.
We Can Help Address the Challenge Without Grants or Subsidies: Our approach to Affordable Home Ownership does not require municipal grants, subsidies, free land or the waiving of municipal charges and fees and the 46 acres planned for development has already been purchased by the Glassworks Co-operative. Our Affordable Home Ownership approach will:
Help Local Employers: attract and retain talent to maintain and expand operations
Serve Local Families, Workers, Students and Seniors: 60% of the units will be purchased by households with incomes between $35,000 and $85,000
Create New Tax Payers: thus bolstering the municipality's tax base
Provide Financial Capacity Directly to the Purchasers: by helping with their downpayment and monthly carrying cost
Provide High-Quality, Cost Effective Ownership
Work Force Housing is Key. Together we can help the residents, health care sector and businesses of Owen Sound and region thrive.
If you’re an employer, please let us know how many homes your workers (current or the one’s you’d like to hire) need and send us a support letter. Together we can make Owen Sound and the region a thriving and more resilient place to call home. glassworkscoop@gmail.com
Glassworks Co-op
Resources
Contact Us
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.
Harjit Singh Khalsa
Dedicated and experienced professional seeking to contribute strategic leadership, community engagement, and expertise inhousing to facilitate the cooperative's mission of providing sustainable and affordable housing solutions.
President
Hepworth Hostel, Hepworth, Ontario, Since 2019
• For profit accommodation provider serving Grey Bruce areas
Broker Homelife Superstars Real Estate Limited, Toronto, Ontario, Since 2001
• Buying, selling, renting of Residential, Commercial, and Investment Real Estate
Education:
• Electronics and Communication Engineering Diploma (India, 1984-87)
• Post Diploma in Computer Applications (India, 1987-89)
Skills:
• Community Engagement: Proven ability to engage with diverse communities, build
relationships, and foster collaborative initiatives.
• Project Management: Track record of successfully managing projects from
conception to completion, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
• Financial Oversight: Experience in budgeting, financial analysis, and resource
allocation to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Policy Development: Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to
develop and implement policies in line with organizational goals.
• Leadership: Demonstrated leadership skills in guiding teams, making strategic
decisions, and fostering a positive organizational culture.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the
ability to convey complex ideas to diverse audiences.
Certifications:
• Certificate in Adjudication for Administrative Agencies, Boards & Tribunals
(York University, 2017)
Professional Memberships:
• Canadian Real Estate Association
• Ontario Real Estate Association
• Toronto Real Estate Board
Volunteer Experience:
• Director of Real Estate Council of Ontario (2014-17)
• Director of Ontario Realtor Care Foundation (2017-19)
• Member of CREA Realtors Care Committee (2019-20)
• Member of TREB Member Services Committee (2014-15)
• Chair of Community Improvement Planning Committee of Township of South Bruce
Peninsula (2017-22)
• Member of OREA Political Action Committee (2018-19)
• Member of Grey Bruce Climate Action Team (Since 2019)
• Member of Ontario Bee Association’s Governance Committee (Since 2023)