DISTRICT WRONG TO PROPOSE ITS OWN ROBOTICS HOUSING FACTORY TO BUILD CHEAP PREBAB HOMES

Lois Cooper | MuskokaTODAY.com — OPINION

MUSKOKA — Municipal government should not get into the construction industry.

The district should make public requests to local experienced construction companies for ideas on how to produce inexpensive housing.

If no private companies are interested in producing social housing, then the district would be financially ahead to buy prefab units from private successful factories.

Or make a deal with a successful prefab company to build such a factory in Muskoka.

At no time should the district government own a factory.

This as the District of Muskoka is talking about setting up shop and building its own prefab housing factory, saying the private sector is not meeting the current challenge.

And, see below, it is looking for public inmpute on its plans.

Tooketree already builds prefab homes in Baysville and may be able to expand in to public attainable housing if the District of Muskoka partnered with it instead of constructing its own publicly-funded robotic factory, argues Lois Cooper. PHOTO Tooketree

Two-week public survey on Muskoka

robotics housing factory only open till Aug. 7

According to a district release July 23 headed: “Proposal aims to build better and create more non-market affordable rental homes,” council is considering creating a separate corporation to own and operate a factory that uses robotics to construct and rapidly deliver non-market housing not just for Muskoka, but other municipalities.

They say: “Creating more safe, attainable, and sustainable housing to call home. It’s what we do.”

And claim that affordable housing is an issue for some in Muskoka and beyond and that 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.”

So Muskoka’s top tier government is considering building its own factory.

The corporation would be governed by a skills-based board of directors and run by dedicated management and staff.

The district says it is considering a capital investment of up to $17 million to help build non-market affordable rental homes faster and at lower costs, using a new and innovative approach.

This would be an early investment to help get the work underway.

To support this, Muskoka is applying for grants from the federal and provincial governments to cover “about 50 per cent of the investment.”

They claim it will create long-term savings by making it cheaper to build homes over and over again. Over 10 years, housing production through the factory for the district and other municipalities is estimated to save about $52 million. Local taxpayers are estimated to save about $6.7 million over the first three years.

This investment, is claims, would be paid back over time as housing components are produced.

They describe non-market housing as housing delivered outside the private market. And 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 per cent below average market rents.

They say it will help create jobs and help the local economy.

The factory is expected to create 20 to 30 jobs in skilled, non-traditional trades roles. Because robots and automation would handle much of the heavy lifting, many jobs would focus on operating equipment, quality checks, and assembly work indoors, all leading to a safer work environment. This can make these jobs more accessible to a wider range of workers and support a more inclusive workforce.

And that the factory will reduce pressure on the rental market.

“When there are not enough rentals, more people compete for the same units. This can drive rents up and make it harder to find a home. Adding non-market housing creates more lower-cost options for people who are currently priced out of the market. This can reduce pressure on the rental system and help prevent overcrowding, long waitlists, and homelessness even for those who are not eligible for more deeply subsidized non-market affordable housing. Ccreating jobs also helps local businesses as new workers purchase more local goods and services.”

Muskokans are 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, which can be found here 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 chair Jeff Lehman.

“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

For more information:

  • Visit www.engagemuskoka.ca/housing-faster to learn more, read about the project and learn more about it.
  • If you have questions, review the frequently asked questions or submit your own inquiry
  • Sign up for project updates sent straight to your inbox

 

 

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