In This Newsletter:
- Register now to Explore the Regional Community Affordable Housing Action Plan on November 13th!
- Register for a Screening of “Uncharitable” and Let’s Rethink Philanthropy and Social Change
- A recap of October 25th’s Nature Corridor Summit hosted by the Escarpment Corridor Alliance
REGISTER 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 virtual event to explore a whole community collaborative solution. Our communities are learning from the projects of other communities and, with our own unique twists, can provide the affordable housing we need. The Institute’s Social Finance & Affordable Housing Group will set out elements of the plan. We will hear how county plans can enable or support the work.
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.
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.
SPEAKERS:
- Liz Buckton, Senior Policy Planner, Grey County
- Claire Dodds, Commissioner of Community Development, Bruce County
- Kristin Pechkovsky, Planning Program Supervisor – Innovation and Acceleration, Simcoe County
- Sylvia Statham, Lutheran Social Services, Owen Sound
- Carol Merton, Owen Sound City Councillor
- Nola Marion, Engaged Citizen, Township of Southgate
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!
Join us for a Screening of: Uncharitable: Rethinking Philanthropy and Community Change
An Evening of Film, Discussion, Visioning, and Acting on Change for a Stronger South Georgian Bay Community
Join us on Friday, November 29th at the Simcoe Street Theatre for an evening designed to spark change and inspire new ways to engage with community impact. We’ll be screening the groundbreaking documentary Uncharitable, directed by Stephen Gyllenhaal and based on Dan Pallotta’s powerful exploration of philanthropy. This film challenges us to rethink traditional approaches to charity and social enterprise, shining a light on the urgent need for a more resilient nonprofit ecosystem across South Georgian Bay.
Event Schedule:
- 6:00 PM – Doors Open
Connect with fellow attendees as you arrive and get ready for an inspiring evening.
- 6:20 PM – Welcome with Jordie Burton, TISGB Board Member and Philanthropist
Jordie will introduce the evening, the role of The Institute of Southern Georgian Bay, and set the stage for an impactful night of reflection and collaboration.
- 6:30 PM – Uncharitable Screening
Watch this thought-provoking documentary that questions long-standing norms in philanthropy and explores bold pathways to meaningful social change. (Run time: 1 hour 30 minutes)
- 8:00 PM – Community Leaders with Vision for Change
Following the film, Community Leaders and Changemakers who will briefly share their insights on how we can reshape philanthropy and create lasting impact by each making one bold statement on how things might change and what we in the audience can all do. The discussion will highlight pathways to community investment and change-making strategies for Southern Georgian Bay.
- 8:20 PM – Unconference-Style Breakout Discussions
We next invite you to participate in discussions around the room. Community Leaders will guide conversations on reimagining philanthropy, investing in social change, and building community support. Attendees can freely move between topics, engaging in open dialogue and peer-led learning.
“How might the future of our community benefit from our actions today?”
This event is intended to explore the possibilities for social innovation and to imagine new ways of building a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient Southern Georgian Bay. An in-person design workshop will be held in the early new year as a follow up for interested participants of this event.
Register NOW to this FREE event today and become a part of the movement to rethink philanthropy!
A Nature Corridor to Protect and Connect our Escarpment? Yes Please!
Contributed by Laura Page-Hamelin, Marketing & Communications Manager for the Escarpment Corridor Alliance
The inaugural Nature Corridor Summit held on October 25th at Alpine Ski Club was a resounding success, drawing a sold-out crowd of 260 against a stunning fall landscape.
The event gathered representatives from over 50 local and regional groups, including municipalities, environmental nonprofits, ski clubs, First Nations, trail organizations, and other groups drawn to protecting the South Georgian Bay Niagara Escarpment. We also welcomed over 15 national and international attendees, from government officials and UNESCO to Parks Canada and even professors from Paul Smith’s College in New York. There was also some thoughtful engagement from youth who provided valuable feedback from their perspective.
The ECA organized a full day of programming, highlighted by keynote speaker Dr. Kelly Cerialo, who provided insights into ecological corridors and engaged the audience with thoughtful discussions. The day continued with three engaging panels exploring the “What,” “How,” and “Why” of a Nature Corridor Network in South Georgian Bay and beyond.
Highlights and take-aways included appreciation of Indigenous Peoples who contributed and the need for more Indigenous Peoples involvement and shared leadership, more exploration of the intersection of agriculture and conservation, excitement around the Conservation Economy Report, a need to see the collaboration of regional governments regarding the future of natural and agricultural lands, and the critical importance of nature in the health of residents and visitors.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests a strong demand for future Summits. To stay informed and receive event recaps, sign up for our newsletter here and be the first to hear about upcoming gatherings.
The Institute of Southern Georgian Bay strives to create FREE and accessible programming for all residents and stakeholders across the South Georgian Bay Region. This wouldn’t be possible without your continued support.
To help sustain ongoing community conversations and events, please consider making a contribution at tisgb.com/joinus