Our Flagship Development
Common Ground C.K.
Permanently attainable life-lease homes for Chatham-Kent families who earn too much for social housing but can't afford today's market. A new path to residential equity.
~40 Homes
Phase 1 — permanently attainable
10 Taylor Avenue
Chatham, Ontario
Missing Middle
Working families & seniors
Est. 2020
6+ years of community work
The Vision
Building Something That Lasts Forever
Common Ground C.K. is more than a housing development. It is a permanent community asset that will provide attainable homes for generations — not just the first buyers, but every family that follows.
Through the community land trust model, OVCLT owns the land in perpetuity. Residents purchase a life-lease interest in their home at below-market prices, building equity while keeping housing costs predictable. When they move on, resale restrictions ensure the next family benefits from the same affordability.
The development will include thoughtfully designed 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments with beautiful common areas, community gardens, walking paths, and shared green spaces that foster connection and belonging.
Energy Efficient
High-performance building envelope with reduced utility costs for residents.
Permanently Attainable
Land trust model ensures attainability in perpetuity — not just 20 years.
Equity Building
Life-lease holders build real equity, similar to condo ownership.
Community Focused
Gardens, gathering spaces, and a neighbourhood designed for connection.
By The Numbers
The Scale of Our Vision
0+
Attainable Homes
0
Residents Served
$0M
Total Investment
0+
Years in Development
Our Journey
Project Timeline
From finding a site to building a community — six years of volunteer dedication and growing momentum.
Finding a Site
CompleteLocated the perfect spot on the site of an abandoned brickworks on Taylor Ave. in Chatham.
OVCLT Founded & Site Cleanup Begins
CompleteIncorporated the Community Land Trust. Volunteers began months of site cleanup, brush removal, and fence repairs.
Rezoning & Community Engagement
CompleteMunicipal Council approved rezoning. North Kent Mutual Insurance donated $30,000. Ongoing volunteer yardwork and neighbourhood outreach.
Planning, Design & Partnerships
CompleteEnvironmental assessments, engineering work, developer partnerships, and CMHC engagement. Multiple Rotary Club donations received.
Capital Stack & Funding Applications
CurrentPursuing Build Canada Homes, CMHC Affordable Housing Fund, Ontario OPHI, and community investment. Developer partnership finalized.
Construction & First Move-Ins
Breaking ground on Phase 1. First families welcomed into permanently attainable homes at Common Ground C.K.
Capital Strategy
How We're Funding This
Common Ground C.K. is financed through a blended capital stack — combining federal programs, provincial funding, municipal support, and community investment to maximize affordability depth.
Build Canada Homes
Flexible federal financing for deep affordability and community partnerships
CMHC Affordable Housing Fund
Capital loans and contributions for new attainable housing construction
Ontario OPHI
Provincial capital funds addressing local attainable housing gaps
Municipal Incentives
Development charge rebates, tax financing, and fast-tracked approvals
Community Investment
Impact investors, community bonds, and local foundations supporting housing equity
Philanthropic Partners
Rotary Club, corporate sponsors, and individual donors building the dream
Interested in Impact Investment?
Whether you're a foundation, impact investor, or community member who wants to see attainable housing built in Chatham-Kent — we want to hear from you. Your capital can earn a return while building homes for families who need them.
From Our Site
OVCLT's Dream — The Journey to Date
Since 2020, dozens of volunteers have been working tirelessly to turn our vision of permanently attainable housing into reality.
Finding the site, 2019
First work crew, 2020
Volunteer cleanup
New fence installed
NKMi $30K donation
Rezoning approved
Be Part of the Solution
Whether you're looking for a home, want to invest in your community, or can lend your expertise — there's a place for you at Common Ground C.K.