Community Builders Expands to Muskoka: A New Hope for Employment and Affordable Housing

In a time when the need for skilled tradespeople and affordable housing is growing ever more pressing, Community Builders, the leading construction employment social enterprise in Simcoe County and Sudbury, has taken a bold step forward by expanding its operations to the District of Muskoka. This new initiative signifies a commitment to addressing critical community needs while fostering employment opportunities in the trades.

Building with Purpose

As the organization embarks on this new chapter, its mission remains steadfast: "Building with purpose. Reinvesting in Communities." For over nine years, Community Builders has provided comprehensive residential and commercial construction services across nearly 20 communities in Ontario, focusing primarily on affordable and social housing. Their offerings encompass renovations, apartment turnovers, new construction, and innovative projects aimed at increasing the rental unit supply, such as secondary suites and modular housing. The enterprise also manages properties and offers preventative maintenance services, painting a robust picture of their extensive capabilities.

Addressing the Trades Shortage

A critical aspect of Community Builders’ mission is its unique role as a construction employment social enterprise, dedicated to bridging the gap in the trades labor shortage. To this end, the organization provides paid skilled trades training to individuals facing barriers to employment. This initiative not only addresses the growing need for skilled workers but also empowers underrepresented groups in the building trades.

Four times a year, Community Builders conducts 12-week training programs where participants, known as CB Certified Graduates, receive invaluable hands-on experience alongside classroom instruction. Participants are equipped with essential tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), and complete vital certifications, including WHMIS, MOL 4-step, and working at heights.

Collaborative Partnerships Enable Expansion

The expansion into Muskoka was made possible through strong collaborations with local organizations that share a vision for enhancing skilled trades capacity and scaling up housing construction. In the past year, Community Builders has worked closely with the District of Muskoka to align their initiatives, focusing on mutual success and sustainability.

This expansion has been made possible thanks to various key partnerships, including:

• The Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy (CAS), which aims to enhance apprenticeship opportunities.
• The Province of Ontario’s Skills Development Fund (SDF), focusing on challenges in hiring, training, or retaining workers.
• The Home Depot Canada Foundation’s TradeWorx, which empowers youth with the skills and certifications needed for sustainable employment.
• Meridian Credit Union’s Reframe program, designed to assist individuals facing economic barriers to access the skilled trades workforce.

These partnerships not only provide financial support but also broaden the impact Community Builders can have within the community.

Welcoming Leadership and Expertise

With the hiring of Tami delCarmen as the new regional managing director, Community Builders is poised for success in Muskoka. A fifth-generation Muskokan, Tami brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education, workforce development, and community engagement to her new role. Her expertise lies in creating collaborative pathways that support underrepresented groups and strengthen community partnerships.

Tami’s vision aligns closely with Community Builders’ mission: “Change happens when local knowledge, community partnerships, and hands-on training come together.” She is determined to ensure that Community Builders becomes a trusted partner in building “homes, hope, opportunity, and belonging” in Muskoka.

Fostering Community Solutions

Brandon Day, co-founder and CEO of Community Builders, shares his enthusiasm for the expansion, stating, “After meeting with various groups in Muskoka, it became clear that there is a strong desire for solutions surrounding affordable housing and employment opportunities.” He emphasizes the importance of this move into Muskoka and expects to strengthen partnerships in the region.

The organization is currently in the process of recruiting for several roles, including Construction Manager, Training Facilitator, and Program Coordinator. Shortly, they will also be looking for skilled construction workers to lead projects and training.

Get Involved

As Community Builders grows its footprint in Muskoka, they invite individuals to apply for open positions or to explore other avenues to support the organization. Interested parties can find out more by visiting www.communitybuilders.co.

In summary, Community Builders’ expansion into Muskoka represents a significant step toward addressing the urgent need for skilled tradespeople and affordable housing in Ontario. This collaborative approach, combined with a commitment to inclusivity and community engagement, promises to create a brighter future for many in the Muskoka region.