Affordable housing is an issue in Muskoka and beyond. Building is costly and takes time. However, there is an opportunity to build homes better and faster to support housing for everyone.
To get people into homes faster and save on construction costs, District of Muskoka Council is considering creating a separate corporation to own and operate a factory that uses robotics to construct and rapidly deliver non-market housing. This corporation would be governed by a skills-based Board of Directors and run by dedicated management and staff. Non-market housing refers to housing delivered outside the private market. It is typically government, non-profit, or cooperative-owned and/or operated. Rent is set to meet community need rather than maximize profit and is typically at least 20% below average market rents.
The community is encouraged to visit www.engagemuskoka.ca/housing-faster to learn more about this innovative solution and to provide their feedback by completing a short survey. The survey should take approximately 8 to 10 minutes to complete. Feedback will help the District understand what matters most as Council considers next steps. The survey is open until Friday, August 7, 2026.
“We’re proud of the progress we’ve made on housing across the District. However, this is not enough. For many people, the wait is still too long to find a safe, affordable place to live,” said Jeff Lehman, Chair of the District of Muskoka. “We must think differently and act boldly to save taxpayer dollars and build housing faster. We have a unique opportunity and the time to act is now. Thank you in advance to everyone for taking the time to complete this important survey, as we help create new affordable housing in Muskoka.”
Watch a video from Jeff Lehman, District Chair, who shares details about the initiative and survey: Watch Video Here
Where to go for more information:
Please visit www.engagemuskoka.ca/housing-faster to:
- Learn more: Read about the project and learn more about its benefits
- Have your say: Take a few minutes (about 8 to 10) to complete the survey by Friday, August 7, 2026
- We’re listening: If you have questions about the project, review the frequently asked questions or submit your own inquiry
- Stay informed: Sign up for project updates sent straight to your inbox
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District contemplating building a modular home manufacturing facility
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Perhaps the District should listen to an experienced expert, for a change, and stop wasting taxpayer dollars on another failure in the works.
$250,000 blown already. $17+ million blown coming up.
Competing with the private sector and manufacturing anything is not part of the District’s job description.
Graham Smith’s firm Altius built modular homes at the Parry Sound Airport for 15 years.
“The District should be investing in housing R&D and some serious introspection into its own failures, failures that have prevented, rather than promoted, attainable housing. That would also, in very short order, give pause to investing in housing production. The District could build housing tomorrow if it cleared the way for the private sector to do it.”
https://southmuskoka.doppleronline.ca/district-contemplating-building-a-modular-home-manufacturing-facility/#comment-78350
So let’s spend $17 million on a factory that will be built by someone from outside Muskoka. This money would be better spent if the district just hired local contractors like they have for the apartments on Pine Street and the apartments that will be built at the old arena lot. The district will have to supply the land and hire contractors to install the modular homes. That is on top of paying $17million to build the factory. I have to wonder if Lehman is trying to push this through before he gets booted out of the District Chair, or does someone at the district have a friend or relative that builds robotic factories. HIRE LOCAL CONTRACTORS THAT LIVE HERE , PAY TAXES HERE AND VOTE HERE ! Buy the materials to build from local suppliers. If they want to use modular construction then use an existing factory. Apparently someone in Baysville does modular construction. Use them. The district has already spent (wasted) $250,000 on this. I am 100% in favour of the district working to supply housing , just not this way with this plan. Stick to what is working!