Mission statement
Welcome to our website
Our Vision
Imagine a Lake of Bays where families can live, work, and grow together. Where local shops and restaurants thrive with steady year-round customers. That’s the goal of the Lake of Bays Housing Initiative (LOBHI): to create attainable, sustainable housing for local residents and ensure the Township of Lake of Bays remains a vibrant, inclusive place for generations to come.
Imagine a Lake of Bays where families can live, work, and grow together. Where local shops and restaurants thrive with steady year-round customers. That’s the goal of the Lake of Bays Housing Initiative (LOBHI): to create attainable, sustainable housing for local residents and ensure the Township of Lake of Bays remains a vibrant, inclusive place for generations to come.
Why Housing Matters
Across Muskoka, housing costs have outpaced incomes. In fact, per capita, there are as many homeless or under-housed individuals here as in Toronto. Many hardworking people in our community face difficult choices — between rent and groceries, between staying in Lake of Bays or leaving home altogether. Seniors can’t easily downsize, young workers can’t find places to live, and businesses can’t hire or keep staff. We believe housing is the foundation of a healthy, thriving community. When people have a stable home, everything else improves — health, employment, and connection.
Across Muskoka, housing costs have outpaced incomes. In fact, per capita, there are as many homeless or under-housed individuals here as in Toronto. Many hardworking people in our community face difficult choices — between rent and groceries, between staying in Lake of Bays or leaving home altogether. Seniors can’t easily downsize, young workers can’t find places to live, and businesses can’t hire or keep staff. We believe housing is the foundation of a healthy, thriving community. When people have a stable home, everything else improves — health, employment, and connection.
Our Approach
LOBHI is built on collaboration, compassion, and practicality. We’re drawing inspiration from successful Canadian and international models that focus on long-term housing first, not temporary fixes.
LOBHI is built on collaboration, compassion, and practicality. We’re drawing inspiration from successful Canadian and international models that focus on long-term housing first, not temporary fixes.
The Build Project
- Eight new homes — four two-bedroom and four one-bedroom units
- Accessible, two-storey design with elevator and shared outdoor spaces
- Includes parking, community gardens, and a safe play area for children
- Estimated cost: $2.2 million
- Designed to provide stable, long-term housing for families, individuals, and seniors
Inspired by Proven Success
LOBHI follows the evidence-backed Housing First model, where individuals are offered permanent housing alongside voluntary supports for health and wellbeing. In Toronto, the University Health Network’s “Dunn House” project reduced hospital visits by over 50% and saved millions in healthcare costs.
In The Netherlands, more than 80% of participants in Housing First programs remain successfully housed long-term.
These programs prove that providing housing first isn’t just compassionate — it’s cost-effective, sustainable, and transformative.
LOBHI follows the evidence-backed Housing First model, where individuals are offered permanent housing alongside voluntary supports for health and wellbeing. In Toronto, the University Health Network’s “Dunn House” project reduced hospital visits by over 50% and saved millions in healthcare costs.
In The Netherlands, more than 80% of participants in Housing First programs remain successfully housed long-term.
These programs prove that providing housing first isn’t just compassionate — it’s cost-effective, sustainable, and transformative.
Funding & Community Investment
We anticipate that our initiative will be supported by grants, partnerships, and community bonds that allow residents and cottagers to invest directly in Lake of Bays’ future.
We’re stronger together. Whether you’re a full-time resident, seasonal visitor, or business owner, you can play a part in shaping Lake of Bays’ future.
We’re stronger together. Whether you’re a full-time resident, seasonal visitor, or business owner, you can play a part in shaping Lake of Bays’ future.
Invest: Help us fund raise.
Volunteer: Join a committee or help with events and outreach.
Spread the Word: Share our mission and help build local support.
Volunteer: Join a committee or help with events and outreach.
Spread the Word: Share our mission and help build local support.
Email: LOBHI2025@gmail.com
Location: Lake of Bays, Ontario “Housing is more than shelter — it’s the heart of a thriving community.”
Location: Lake of Bays, Ontario “Housing is more than shelter — it’s the heart of a thriving community.”