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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I fully support the district providing housing for the needy. The problem I see with building a robotic modular housing factory is that the money to build the factory will be spent on companies and people from outside Muskoka. If there are robotics manufacturers in Muskoka I am not aware of them. The other issue(s) are that the district will be the customer. The customer (the district) will have to supply the land and hire the contractors to install the modular homes. Building a $17 million factory just add $17 million to the cost of the housing. A local contractor has built housing for the district on Pine Street in Bracebridge and the same contractor is going to build the apartments at the old arena lot in Bracebridge. Stick to the way housing is being built by local contractors, that spend their earnings in Muskoka and pay taxes in Muskoka. THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT ISSUE, SO THIS CURRENT COUNCIL SHOULD PUT IT TO THE VOTERS! In my opinion it will look as if someone has something to gain other than housing if council pushes this through before the next election.
So do District councillors stay up at night thinking about new ways to raise taxes and then blow them on really bad ideas? Instead of doing their job?
If this was a viable idea the private sector would be doing it.
Competing with the private sector in manufacturing anything is not part of the District’s job description.
How many millions of our hard earned tax dollars will be wasted, yet again, on another failure?
Get back to work: pick up the trash, get permits issued in under 10 years…ya know, the boring, bread and butter stuff. Maybe even reduce taxes and the number of councillors.
Why does the District level of government with a huge number of councillors per 1000 residents exist again? It didn’t use to.
After they were caught and have already spent $250,000? Isn’t the airport also already operating at an approximate $2 million deficit?
I think this is a terrible idea. Governments have proven time and time again that they fail miserably at this type of stuff. I no confidence in the Chair or the District to pull this off. The risk is too great. The District should focus on doing it’s job: pick up the trash, get permits issued in under 10 years…ya know, the boring, bread and butter stuff.
This vanity project should be tossed in the bin.