Redwood Park Communities is making a renewed push to expand affordable housing across Simcoe County — and a well‑known local physician has stepped forward to help accelerate the effort.
Dr. Brian Morris, a longtime supporter of Redwood and one of the original investors in its Community Housing Bonds program, has committed to matching up to $250,000 in new community investments. If the full amount is reached by the March 2 deadline, Redwood will unlock $500,000 in total funding for new housing projects.
Redwood’s team says the impact of that match could be transformative. “He basically offered us a matching campaign… and what he's saying is, ‘I am going to match up to $250,000 of all new investments that come from the community,’” said Redwood’s Carolina Belmares. “That means half a million dollars of incredible funds that we get to use into creating safe, affordable housing here in Barrie and the area.”
Funding already moving projects forward
Even before the matching campaign launched, new investments were helping Redwood advance several developments across the region.
A 15‑unit project in Midland is nearing the building‑permit stage, with site plan approval already secured. In Orillia, Redwood plans to add six more units and a community hub to an existing property. Additional projects in Barrie are also ready to move quickly once funding is in place.
Redwood co‑founder Tim Kent says the organization has proven it can turn investment into housing rapidly. “We can move very quickly at getting new units up and running when the funds come in,” he said, noting recent successes including 12 units of family housing created in partnership with the Salvation Army and three more with the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Real lives changed
Beyond construction, Redwood emphasizes the human impact behind the numbers. Belmares shared that recently, three women and their children — all survivors of intimate partner violence — secured permanent housing after staying at Redwood’s United House.
“They didn't find just a place to stay; they found a support system,” she said. “Now three women and their kids get to have a permanent safe place to call home… This is the real impact. We don't just build buildings.”
Why community bonds?
Redwood’s Community Housing Bonds allow residents to invest directly in local housing solutions while earning a financial return. The minimum investment is $2,500, and many investors are everyday individuals choosing to put their RRSP or savings into community‑based projects rather than traditional funds.
“It just seemed to make sense,” Kent said. “Why not invest right here in our own community, make our own community stronger, more resilient?”
Most investors so far have been individuals, though some businesses have joined as well.
Volunteers still needed
For those unable to invest financially, Redwood is also seeking volunteers for construction support, furniture bank operations, and unit setup. Interested residents can sign up through redwoodbuilds.ca.
How to get involved
Anyone considering an investment can download an information package at redwoodbuilds.ca or contact Redwood directly with questions.
Belmares stresses that the matching campaign is a rare opportunity: “You're doubling the impact of your money… and it doesn't have to be a super large sum. We try to make it accessible so that pretty much anyone in the community could decide to go ahead with this.”
With the March 2 deadline approaching, Redwood hopes the community will rally behind the initiative — and help bring more families home.
Listen below to our full interview with Carolina and Tim, it begins at the 29:03 mark.
