In This Newsletter:
- Register now to Explore the Regional Community Affordable Housing Action Plan on November 13th!
- Recap from the Green Economy Hub Info Session – You Can Still Join!
- Save the Date for a Screening of Uncharitable: Rethinking Philanthropy and Social Change on Friday, November 29th!
- Your Program Support is Needed – Contribute Now!
Regional Community Affordable Housing Action Plan
Wednesday, November 13, 4:30-6pm via Zoom: Register Now!
The Institute of Southern Georgian Bay is inviting you – community members, housing professionals and municipal leaders – to the online event Wednesday, November 13, 4:30-6pm to explore the draft Regional Community Affordable Housing Action Plan. Register NOW.
More than two years of learning, collaborative events, listening to solution-focused speakers from across Canada, and much community discussion, has resulted in a draft plan to increase our supply of affordable housing.
We now know what is needed and are inviting you to a follow-up virtual event. Our communities can grow a critical mass of people who will work for the housing we need. The Institute’s Social Finance & Affordable Housing Group will highlight elements of the draft plan, and encourage us to think together about how we work together to address the affordable housing crisis in our region.
Please take a moment to review the plan in advance and come and hear more about the two spheres of integrated activity, which we believe are the best bet for progress: focusing municipal leadership on affordability and working through community to reach the goal.
Hear more about the key components of the plan:
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a regional view to achieve scale,
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focused municipal support for affordable development,
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supporting our “nonmarket” housing providers,
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using new mechanisms such as land trusts and co-ops, and
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increasing access to capital for affordable acquisition of land and buildings.
In addition, hear how the Provincial Policy Statement on Planning will impact municipalities; how Grey County is responding with the Housing Plan Update; Simcoe County’s Housing Attainable Supply Action Plan (Housing ASAP), and learn about progress in various municipalities.
If you want to be up-to-date on the shifting terrain for affordable housing, and wish to contribute to this regional plan, this is the event to participate in and help move all of us forward, together!
A Recap of the Green Economy Hub Pilot Project – Information Session
By Tori Rooney, TISGB Board Member
On October 3rd, at the New Wasaga Beach Arena, the Institute of Southern Georgian Bay (TISGB) and the Collingwood Climate Action Team (CCAT) co-hosted an engaging information session to explore the potential of establishing/piloting a Green Economy hub within Southern Georgian Bay. The event brought together local businesses, accommodations, tourism operators, retailers, and tradespeople, highlighting the broad reach and impact that a green economy can have on our community.
Attendees heard the origin stories of both CCAT and TISGB, providing valuable context for the collaborative efforts driving this initiative. The Wasaga Beach Climate Action Team shared insights into their Green Certificate Awards Program, a three-year-long initiative that celebrates local businesses making strides in sustainability. Several award recipients were present, showcasing the tangible successes of this program. It served as a reminder that small, incremental changes can lead to significant ripple effects within a community.
Priyanka Lloyd, Executive Director of Green Economy Canada, then presented on the concept of Green Economy Hubs, building on momentum from the Blue Mountains & Area Sustainability Summit on April 25, 2024, where this concept was first introduced. Her insights set the stage for how our region could benefit from adopting this model, helping local businesses operate more sustainably by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and water consumption, all while lowering operational costs.
Jeff Young, Supply and Sustainability Manager at Georgian Bay Spirits Co., offered a real-world perspective by walking attendees through his company’s sustainability journey. He also shared how they envision being part of the Green Economy Hub and how it could further their sustainability goals.
The energy in the room was palpable, with many lively discussions continuing well after the formal event concluded. This session demonstrated the powerful role that TISGB plays as a catalyst for bringing people together to foster innovation and action in our community. We are excited to see the continued momentum as we work toward a more sustainable future for Southern Georgian Bay.
If you’re interested in join the cohort please fill out this Expression of Interest form, or if you have further questions please reach out to [email protected]
Save the Date for a Screening of Uncharitable: Rethinking Philanthropy and Social Change
Join us on November 29th for a screening of Uncharitable: Rethinking Philanthropy and Social Change, an inspiring evening of film and conversation at Simcoe Street Theatre. We’ll be screening Uncharitable, a powerful documentary inspired by Dan Pallotta’s groundbreaking TED Talk on philanthropy. This thought-provoking film examines the constraints placed on nonprofits and calls us to reimagine our approach to supporting social purpose organizations.
After the screening, join a dynamic community discussion led by TISGB Board Member and Philanthropist Jordie Burton, exploring how we can break traditional molds, drive community change, and elevate philanthropy in our region. This event is for anyone interested in supporting impactful social enterprises, charitable organizations, or community development.
Admission: Free or Pay What You Can
Stay tuned for registration details, and start reimagining what’s possible in your community!
Mark your calendar and be part of the movement to rethink philanthropy!
Your Program Support is Needed – Contribute Now!
To make community events like the Affordable Housing Action Plan discussion, the Green Economy Hub, and our upcoming screening of Uncharitable accessible to everyone, your program support is essential. Contributions from supporters like you allow us to bring innovative ideas and discussions to the community, foster action, and connect people to solutions that make a difference. Together, we can keep these events open to all and advance the positive change that Southern Georgian Bay deserves.