The GLASSWORKS Cooperative: Re-imagining community from the ground up
The Beach Community Energy Cooperative (BCEC) Inc., an award-winning renewable energy developer, is proposing a cooperative joint venture, The Glassworks Cooperative, a resilient village within Owen Sound encompassing food production, renewable energy micro grid, and an economic development project.
Once the largest port on the Great Lakes, Owen Sound is a community in transition following industrial plant closures. With wonderful access to beaches, skiing, dark sky and a world biosphere reserve, its strong connection to agriculture, and its thriving local food and arts scene, it is a town poised for (re)discovery.
The Glassworks Cooperative envisions a zero-carbon footprint, off-grid community supporting an excellent quality of life for all who work or live on or near it. The Glassworks Cooperative seeks to create a network of cooperatives, individually governing a range of functions.
The community will create a hybrid of living space (including some affordable and co-living), 21st century manufacturing, agricultural and garden space and energy production, all within a walkable/bikeable area. Enhanced transportation will be part of the plan to increase access to health services, Georgian College and downtown. Access to nearby operating farms creates the opportunity to integrate these food producers into the plan.
Owen Sound
Owen Sound is surrounded by the diverse and protected environments of Grey and Bruce counties, including a World Biosphere Reserve, Dark Sky Reserve, Lake Huron, and Georgian Bay. It is home to a thriving local food movement, vital arts community, and many flourishing businesses. The city of 22,000 is in Grey County, and was named one of the Top 7 Intelligent Communities of 2017 by the Intelligent Community Foundation.
Incentives
A range of incentives are available for businesses depending on development and location, such as the Brownfield Tax Incentives program, the Development Charge refund program, and the Community Improvement Plan.
The Glassworks Cooperative Inc. (Glassworks) Membership and Housing
Co-op membership cost is $50 and provides one vote. Property ownership models will vary from market units to rent-to-own tenancies.
Join Us!
Your participation ensures our cooperative’s success.