Glassworks Circles
Glassworks Circles operate as the heart of Glassworks. Much of the day-to-day work, planning and decision making happens in our circles. Work is then brought back to the Board of Directors and/or membership for final approval. These are working circles - which means there are often tasks and action items that take place outside of meetings. Each circle meets once a month (or more frequently if required and approved by circle members). This style of organizing is informed by Sociocracy. Learn more below.
If you are wishing to be in contact with any of the circles please email glassworkscoop@gmail.com and our staff will get you in contact with the proper members for your questions.
Aim: to contribute to the success of the co-ops housing, economic development and environmental program aims BY growing, retaining, informing, engaging and supporting the membership and broader community in the region.
Scope of Communications Work:
Support the development and refinement of the: newsletters, website, member training materials, the member portal, social media content
Share updates and promote: land based activities and workshops, the affordable homeownership project, and the use of the land for various activities by broader community
Develop and manage a confidential “interested: list of potential home buyers in the broader community from local employers and current residents from the region (interested list can include members and non members)
Support Home Opportunities marketing efforts when it is time to launch the housing project formally
Scope of Membership Work:
Provide advice to the board regarding Membership categories based on stakeholder groups, benefits and obligations
Identify and develop income generation opportunities to support the organization’s operations and activities through: membership fees, grants, services, workshops, socials, fundraisers
Recruit and orient new members
Engage and retain current members through: surveys, circles, the AGM, the “interested” list for housing projects, insight into site sketch, input on non-permanent land uses, by-laws, budgets and other governance updates
Identify other future projects, initiatives, land and partners in the region
Identify and cultivate potential member benefits for the board to approve (i.e. health benefits, discounts for Sociocracy for All and Ontario Cooperative Association, conflict resolution etc)
Support and delivery of the AGM
Limitations: land uses cannot create a barrier to development or negatively impact protected areas. Circle can define further limitations if needed.
Contact: glassworkscoop@gmail.com
Currently accepting members
Apply here:
Aim: 1) to develop and operate economic development projects BY planning, developing and investing in a Social Enterprise Employment Hub, events and training AND 2) 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.
Scope of Work:
Engage Glassworks Members and broader community in land based initiatives on Glassworks and non-Glassworks sites
Co-host the work bees and socials with the Communication and Membership Circle
The development of a series of recommendation reports to the Board on:
Potential interim uses of the land to be developed for housing that do not undermine the viability of the housing project
Potential uses of the employment lands portion of the site
Supporting social enterprises and other employment initiatives in the region
Being a landlord of tenants of the Glassworks employment lands
Supporting a property manager and the community’s forest food gardens on the employment lands
Identification of potential sites for future Glassworks social enterprise initiatives in the region
Small scale land based development such as strategizing around trail construction, garden shed and other small structures
Generate income to contribute to the operation and ongoing advancement of Glassworks Co-operative’s vision, mission and values.
Limitations: land uses cannot create a barrier to development or negatively impact protected areas. Circle can define further limitations if needed.
Contact: glassworkscoop@gmail.com
Currently accepting members
Apply here:
Aim: to facilitate the development of affordable home ownership in attainable, sustainable, mixed-income, net-zero neighbourhoods BY securing land and working with partners with housing development expertise and aligned values.
Scope of Work
Identify opportunities and risks, draft reports and bring key decisions to the Board
Work with the Development Consultant to achieve the vision, mission and housing ends/aims of the co-op
Identify new sites
Ensure the investors/lenders are kept apprised of projects progress
Liaison with key external stakeholders
Liaison with the Communications and Membership Circle regarding potential buyers, marketing and communications
Liaison with the Communications and Membership Circle AND Land Based and Social Enterprise Circle regarding potential and actual uses of the land, and provide approval or direction to said Circle to ensure the successful development of the land
Limitations: land uses cannot create a barrier to development or negatively impact protected areas. Circle can define further limitations if needed.
Contact: glassworkscoop@gmail.com
Currently accepting members
Apply here:
Aim: to ensure that the Board meets its financial and fiduciary responsibilities BY working with the Treasurer, Executive Director and Governance Circle
Scope of Work
Review and make update recommendations regarding financial and human resource related by-laws and policies
Ensure compliance with legislation, by-laws and policies
Monthly financial reporting
Oversee preparation of annual audit report
Limitations: land uses cannot create a barrier to development or negatively impact protected areas. Circle can define further limitations if needed.
Contact: glassworkscoop@gmail.com
Currently accepting members
Apply here:
Aim: to ensure the board, Executive Director and circles are able to be effective and efficient as a sociocratic organization BY organizing training, reviewing changes in legislation, the co-op’s by-laws and policies, and by providing recommendations.
Limitations: land uses cannot create a barrier to development or negatively impact protected areas. Circle can define further limitations if needed.
Contact: glassworkscoop@gmail.com
Currently accepting members
Apply here:
Below is a chat showing who the Circles interact with each other, and board and membership.
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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)