Collingwood, ON [12 August 2025] Collingwood’s Affordable Housing Task Force (AHTF) invites residents back to the Community Conversation Series: Collingwood Talks Housing, resuming on September 17, 2025, with the theme, Why Can’t They Just Build it? Developers Tell All.
If you’ve ever been curious about affordable housing and how the community can collectively solve this complex problem, the Collingwood Talks Housing series, presented by the AHTF, is for you. These casual, free, community events enable participants to:
• Engage in meaningful dialogue
• Connect with like-minded neighbours
• Learn from industry leaders and experts
• Collaborate on various solutions for affordable housing
• Contribute to a compassionate and inclusive Collingwood
The AHTF aims to foster a deeper understanding of affordable housing by bringing together community members to discuss solution-oriented topics at these events. The series kicked off with great success during YIMBY (Yes, In My Back Yard!) Week in May, where community members discussed how to shift the community conversation from opposing growth and affordable housing, to supporting it.
“Increasing the supply of affordable housing is critical to the well-being of our community,” says Jack Vanderkooy, Chair of the Collingwood Affordable Housing Task Force. “The Collingwood Talks Housing series is an opportunity for community members to come together, with industry experts, not only to learn about the housing challenges we face, but to explore the solutions that are already within reach.”
The AHTF invites all residents and businesses to attend the second Collingwood Talks Housing event. If you have ever wondered why developers don’t just build affordable housing, or what the community is doing to encourage developers to build affordable units, this event will answer those questions with a dynamic panel discussion featuring two local developers, a brief presentation, and a Q&A session. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing developers and municipalities, as well as tools to participate in conversations around development and affordable housing.
Collingwood Talks Housing: Why Can’t They Just Build it? Developers Tell All.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., at the Collingwood Public Library (55 Ste. Marie Street), in Community Rooms B&C (3rd floor). This is a free event; registration is required for planning purposes. Please register by clicking the link below or visiting www.collingwood.ca/housing
Stay tuned for future Collingwood Talks Housing events, hosted by the AHTF throughout 2025 and 2026. Upcoming sessions will cover how the community can support and partake in existing solutions.
Save the date! A film screening of ‘Thinking Beyond the Market’ will be hosted by the AHTF on October 3, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Simcoe Street Theatre. The film will be followed by a discussion with the Director, Dr. Brian Doucet. This film dives into real housing projects, policies, and initiatives in place across the country. More information will be shared for this can’t-miss event.
To learn more about affordable housing, register for the upcoming Collingwood Talks Housing event, or subscribe to the affordable housing email newsletter, please visit https://www.collingwood.ca/housing or call 705-445-1030.
Is there something specific you would like to learn about at the Collingwood Talks Housing series? Email the Town’s Housing Development Coordinator at [email protected] to inform future topics!
About the Collingwood Affordable Housing Task Force
The Affordable Housing Task Force is a group of engaged citizens who provide advice, guidance, and support on implementing the Council-endorsed Affordable Housing Master Plan. They also serve as a forum for community conversation, communication, relationship building, advocacy, and championing to promote affordable housing goals.
