Across Canada, it's time to develop "outside the box" to achieve truly sustainable communities.

Newspapers in every province carry fat real estate sections packed with advertisements extolling developments in a selection of styles and locations. The Canadian Multiple Listing Service, or MLS, offers access to comparably-diverse resale residential properties from coast to coast to coast. But this mind-boggling array of homes still does not represent the entire spectrum of housing necessary to sustain our communities.

The Regional Municipality of Halton, incorporated in 1974 and stretching from the urbanized shore of Lake Ontario far into farmland, encompasses four very different municipalities: The City of Burlington and the Towns of Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville. The Region's rapidly-growing population, expected to reach almost 438,400 by 2006, is already facing affordable housing shortages like many other areas across Canada. Local authorities and volunteers are actively searching for inspiration.

Among the success stories to choose from are two that clearly and distinctly demonstrate "outside the box" real estate development approaches:

Potter's Hands Housing, a 39-unit apartment building in Red Deer, Alberta, benefitted from a public-private partnership in which a third of capital funding for land and construction came from a private developer P and S Investments, a company formed by Red Deer residents Peter Leyen and Stan Schalk, in collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association to address major local housing demands, initially creating 76 housing units.

Development costs were attacked on many levels to keep rents 30 percent lower than average market rents:

• The developer trained work crews, cutting labour costs by 30 to 40 per cent.

• A uniform floor pattern made the units functional and energy efficient.

• Ongoing financial support from the developer, association and local health authority ensured debt-free status.

But it takes more than affordability to turn a building into a "home." Isolation, loneliness and substandard conditions can plague low-income housing unless design and support reach beyond the financial. For instance, the 15 first-floor bachelor units were specially created for people with mental illness and for residents requiring support services. The home-like atmosphere and stability of this housing environment are sustained through design and ongoing support:

• Quality was maintained in spite of cost cutting so units have oak trim and cabinets as well as tile flooring.

• Rents include two meals per week and utilities.

• Two kitchens allow for shared meals.

• A common area nurtures fellowship with other tenants.

• Support from on-site and outreach staff ensures continuity.

• High-need residents are integrated into the building's larger community of single parents, working couples, families and individuals with low income, and single people receiving a disability pension -- to the benefit of all.

The cost-cutting philosophy vital to getting affordable housing built does not mean developers, architects and others associated with these essential endeavours are behind the times. Heightened consciousness of every construction element and raised awareness in creating sustainable communities may place these professionals at the leading edge of modern development in many respects.

Check out the latest development sponsored by Ontario's Heartwood Place and experience first-hand the creative, resourceful enthusiasm of affordability developers at work improving their communities. The 3-D interactive Online Apartment Build reveals how donations make this project become a reality and provides the entire area with an "insider" connection to this vital project.

Heartwood Place is a charitable organization established in the fall of 2001 by a group of local Kitchener-Waterloo volunteers committed to reducing local housing crisis. Their second project will transform a former newspaper building into almost 100 new affordable apartments "with attractive finishes, efficient mechanical systems, quality windows and insulation." This C$10 million development will also clean-up contaminated lands, add community meeting space and significantly contribute to the revitalization of downtown Galt. Every C$25,000 raised through charitable donations buys building materials for a one-bedroom apartment. If donations and supporters can provide the building materials, which represent a third of the costs, organizers believe government grants and bank financing will cover the costs of land, labour and "soft costs" such as legal and architect fees.

These determined developers make it seem easy to work "outside the development box," but it's not -- even with the support of government agencies, volunteers and future residents.

Published: June 28, 2005

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Strategist and Futurist is The Catalyst -- intent on "Helping The Best Get Better." An internationally-recognized "new retirement" authority, PJ's research, writing and speaking programs focus on decisions Baby Boomers face to achieve a successful future. Author of 6 books, PJ knows that, since home is headquarters for the "new retirement," professionals and consumers need relevant knowledge and insights, along with solid decision-making skills, to protect and enhance this private oasis. As The Catalyst, PJ provides strategic communication, client appreciation and advanced education services to the financial, tourism, lifestyle and service sectors -- and the clients they serve. A frequently quoted financial and business commentator, PJ is a thought-provoking strategic speaker who offers practical, real-life suggestions on leaving "the box" behind and embracing Forward Thinking -- a talent she regularly demonstrates in this column. For more, visit TheCatalyst.com.