When the aspiration of owning a home feels increasingly unattainable, the Tiny Town Association (TTA) is stepping in with a fresh approach to offer affordable housing solutions in communities throughout Ontario.
Tiny homes, typically defined as dwellings under 400 square feet, offer a minimalist lifestyle that appeals to a diverse demographic, from young professionals to retirees.
In Ontario, municipalities are beginning to recognize the potential of tiny homes to address housing shortages. For example, the Town of Blind River will be changing their bylaws to accommodate the construction of tiny homes. They will be holding two public information sessions on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at Blind River council chamber, in the afternoon and evening.
Other cities have introduced bylaws that allow tiny homes on private property, while some have designated specific areas for tiny home communities.
“Securing funding has been tough for us, and we haven’t yet reached the stage of any developments, primarily due to financial constraints,” shared Edward Peterson, founder of TTA.
The organization is actively pursuing various funding sources, including deposits from prospective residents, private investments, government grants, and community bonds. “As a non-profit, we can issue low-interest bonds that the public can buy to help fund our projects,” he added.
The organization will collaborate with local contractors and developers, with the goal of boosting local economies.
“We have established several partnerships with modular manufacturers across Canada, and we also intend to create manufacturing opportunities as part of a local job-skills initiative wherever feasible."
He added, "Our priority is to source Canadian materials and supplies first, only looking outside the country when absolutely necessary,” Peterson emphasized, reinforcing the association’s commitment to a made-in-Canada philosophy.
Engaging the community is another fundamental aspect. Peterson stressed the significance of incorporating local feedback into the design of these communities.
“For our proposal in Elliot Lake, we’ve integrated local input into our community design, which has strengthened our proposal,” he noted.
However, he recognized that apprehension about the unknown remains a considerable challenge. “We can’t point to another development and say, ‘That’s what we want to replicate here,’ which has contributed to some delays,” he admitted.
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Sustainability is a vital component of the TTA’s vision. Peterson shared plans to ensure that future tiny home communities achieve net-zero status, meaning they will generate more energy than they consume. “Our entire community will not only produce more energy than it uses but will also cultivate local produce that can be shared with the host city,” he explained, showcasing the dual advantages of energy efficiency and community agriculture.
Navigating zoning and regulatory challenges is another area where the TTA is acutely aware of potential hurdles. Peterson pointed out that municipalities must manage rezoning to align with community needs.
“When they’re uncertain about how to proceed, we offer the framework that 12 Neighbours used in Fredericton, NB, to successfully develop their 99-unit community with a centre," he suggested, indicating that established models could help streamline the process.
Ontario’s Building Code (OBC) plays a crucial role in the regulation of tiny homes, ensuring that they meet safety and structural standards. Tiny homes must comply with the OBC, which outlines requirements for aspects such as insulation, fire safety, and accessibility.
Infrastructure development is also a critical factor. Peterson recounted a delay encountered during a phase one environmental study that raised concerns, prompting a municipality to reassess the suitability of a property. “There are numerous potential obstacles that can stall a project, so we’ve chosen to collaborate with multiple municipalities to keep moving forward,” he stated.
A distinctive aspect of the organization's model is its community management structure. “In our approach, each community is cooperatively owned and managed by its residents,” Peterson explained. Members will be expected to contribute 20 hours a month to support community operations, fostering a sense of ownership and involvement.
The TTA plans to include a variety of community amenities, such as ample green spaces, community gardens, and recreational facilities.
“The clubhouse will serve as a gathering place for members to come together for social events, potlucks, game nights, and more throughout the year,” Peterson said, highlighting the importance of shared spaces in building community connections.
While the timeline for development remains uncertain, Peterson is hopeful. “The Homes For Heroes tiny home community in Kingston was established in under 12 months once approvals were granted, so these projects can move quickly when the city or municipality is supportive,” he noted.
The TTA's outreach has already sparked interest from numerous municipalities. “We reached out to all 440 municipalities across Ontario with our initial proposal. 132 expressed interest, and we are currently collaborating with six of them,” Peterson shared.
While tiny home communities are still a fresh concept in Canada, the United States, and Europe have seen a variety of successful developments, and these communities are flourishing.
