Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, when we refer to affordable housing, we are referring to housing that costs less than 30% of a household’s income before tax. For example, if a household earns $60,000 a year before tax, that household should spend less than $18,000 a year (or $1,500 a month) on total housing costs for the housing to be considered affordable.
Affordability is only one piece of the puzzle. Attainable housing refers to housing that is adequate in condition (no major repairs needed), appropriate in size (bedrooms appropriate for household), affordable (costing less than 30% of before-tax income), accessible to services (located in areas where common services are available) and available (a range of housing types). The more pieces missing, the more unstable housing becomes.
As of February 2024, the development approach we are proposing is achievable in 3 years, with 1 year for approvals using the provincial Community Infrastructure and Housing Accelerator tool, pending municipal support, plus 1.5 to 2 years to build.
Once we have begun the actual building process for our cohousing community, we will be ready to build the community of people. To stay in the loop of where we are at in the process you can follow us on social media, sign up for our newsletter, and/or become a member. We update our socials and newsletters as frequently as possible.
Take a look at our 2021 Strategic Plan to learn more about what we are all about and how we are doing to get from plan to progress. Download Here
Membership in the Glassworks Development Co-op means that you are entitled to one vote on all motions presented to the membership in General Member Meetings and the Annual General Meeting. Participation as a member therefore means that you will have a vote in the approval of budgets, on all amendments to the by-laws of the co-op, and will vote in Board elections. The board of directors are voted to carry on the operations of the co-op and have fiduciary responsibility to act in the best interests of the co-op and its members. Membership is required to hold a board position and to contribute to Circles, which are responsible to help do the work involved in carrying out Board and member-supported motions and decisions. We also host seasonal events for members as well as provide frequent newsletter updates.
You can support Glassworks by becoming a Member and getting engaged with the process (including our Circles), being an investor and supporting Glassworks financially, joining our Board of Directors or simply just following our socials (or signing up for our newsletter) and sharing with others.
Glassworks Cooperative Village uses the Sociocracy model of decision making with our Board of Directors and will continue to use it in our cohousing community. Glassworks has a Board of Directors that are involved in decision making for the cooperative. Others involved in decision making are staff, members and investors.
We accept board member applications on a rolling basis and review them when openings come available. We use a skill matrix to determine the needs of the board at the present moment in time, and are always welcoming of folks who want to share their skills.To learn more about the board of directors and submit an application, click here.
If you would like to be more involved in the work and support the day to day activities of Glassworks - you can join one of our circles. Circles (similar to committees) work on specific areas of focus such as communications, membership, land based activities, finance, governance, and development. Circles are made up of staff, board, members, and community members. If you would like to learn more about our circles, their aims and goals, and how you can join one visit here: Glassworks Circles
Please reach out to us by email to continue the conversation - glassworkscoop@gmail.com
Indigenous place making is aimed at restoring Indigenous presence in Canada through art and design that is created, produced, and driven by Indigenous communities and underpinned by Indigenous knowledge.
To learn more about Indigenous Placemaking, click here.
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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)