The newly-formed Muskoka Community Land Trust (MCLT) is in the process of acquiring and stewarding land to develop permanent affordable housing, social enterprise, and food security initiatives.

​

One of their first initiatives was a Community Engagement event, where they surveyed community members to learn their needs. From the 180 community members who responded to the surveys and participated in the engagement events, they found that strong demand exists for affordable, accessible rental units catering to a variety of residents, including low-income workers, seniors, and families. “Affordable housing is a top priority—rent is just too high  for many of us,” noted one survey respondent. Participants emphasized the importance of pet-friendly policies and diverse unit sizes to accommodate different family structures.

​

Raising the Roof is helping to develop the first project of the MCLT, a 179 unit mixed market and permanently affordable rental project that will be owned and operated by the community.

 

They will ensure that the housing is affordable to low-income workers and families, as well as those on social assistance. Designing accessible units and incorporating assistive technologies will also be key in addressing the needs of aging residents, and residents with disabilities. Incorporating or partnering for on-site support services, such as healthcare, childcare, and mental health resources, is a high priority. Transportation solutions, including access to public transit and safe paths, will be essential.​

​

Construction technologies will include low carbon panels and cross laminated timber as a path to accomplishing the ambitious goal of creating a series of durable, net-zero buildings that will be more affordable to operate over the lifecycle of the development than standard buildings.

 

Raising the Roof is currently working with the MCLT to completed necessary pre-development work including surveys and engineering reports in preparation for rezoning and full engineered design work.​