Muskoka Community Land Trust
Phase 1 Florence Street, Huntsville
 

Phase 1 of the Florence Street development marks the beginning of a four-phase community envisioned to provide up to 150 long-term homes in Huntsville. The first building, three storeys of residential space thoughtfully placed over below-grade parking, will introduce 76 much needed affordable homes while setting the standard for the phases that follow. 

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From the outset, this project has been shaped not by a single designer, but by the collective knowledge and lived experience of many: the Muskoka Community Land Trust, community members, neighbours, consultants, and the character/constraints of the site itself. The design process has been deeply iterative, balancing the experiential qualities of living here with budget realities, environmental responsibility, system performance, and the long-term well-being of the future residents.  

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At its core, the project asks a simple but powerful question: How can we create homes that improve quality of life while minimizing impact on the planet? This has guided decisions at every scale, from how residents will move, gather, and experience comfort within their homes, to how building systems will operate over generations. 

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A key part of this thinking includes a full Total Cost of Building Ownership approach. By considering not only upfront construction costs but the long-term expenses of maintenance, operations, and replacement cycles, the design team is working to ensure that the building remains financially sustainable and affordable over its full life span. This holistic view is essential for a community land trust model, where long-term affordability is a core commitment. 

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In parallel, the project is being designed with climate resilience at the forefront. Using projected climate conditions rather than historic baselines, the building envelope, systesm, and materials are selected to ensure durability, energy stability, and comfort in a rapidly changing climate. These decisions support the Muskoka Community Land Trust's goal of creating a building with a minimum 100-year service life, one that can adapt, endure, and continue serving the community for generations. 

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The Muskoka Community Land Trust's vision anchors the project:

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• Affordable, permanent homes that meet local needs

• Minimum Net-Zero performance and Passive House construction principles

• A building with a service life of at least 100 years

• A design and construction process that reflects the values of stewardship, durability, and community benefit

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Phase 1 is both a building and a commitment: to people, to community, and to a more sustainable, resilient way of creating homes.