A new effort in Owen Sound is looking to redirect local savings back into affordable housing, local businesses, and community projects in Grey Bruce.
This Friday, November 13, the Harmony Centre will host its next ChangeMaker Coffee House to explore how communities can harness their own wealth. Titled "Nobody's Coming to Save Us... So Let's Invest in Ourselves," the evening aims to unpack the growing movement of social investing and place-based economic development in a laid-back, accessible setting.
Harmony Centre Board Chair Jeff Elie says the region possesses plenty of resources, but standard investment channels often direct local capital far outside the community.
"This is really just a first glimpse at it," Elie explained. "We're really just getting this thing rolling. The Community Foundation Grey Bruce is in the process right now of establishing a mechanism where local people can invest in local projects."
Redirecting even a small portion of those savings toward local initiatives could transform how communities build affordable housing, support entrepreneurs, and fund worthwhile local projects.
"We're going to have experts at the ChangeMaker event to explain how these things are working elsewhere," he added. "And how Grey Bruce can get in on it in a way that benefits our community."
The event will feature insights from a variety of voices, including community wealth expert Elly Green, who will guide the conversation. Attendees will hear recorded perspectives on community bonds from Tapestry Community Capital and microlending from Prestar, alongside ideas on community-driven economic strategy from the Shorefast Institute. Stuart Reid and Ryan Deska from Community Foundation Grey Bruce will also share a sneak peek of a new regional community finance initiative launching in the new year.
"We're going to find out if it's right for our community," he continued. "And what the foundation has planned. I understand they're going to be starting up a corporation in the new year that will facilitate this kind of investing. And the ChangeMaker event is a way for them to preview this and introduce it to the public."
Organizers emphasize that the gathering is designed for everyone, regardless of financial background or experience. Running from 7 to 9 p.m. at Greaves Auditorium, the pay-what-you-can event also includes live music from local singer-songwriters Sophia Sled and Ellie Farla, alongside coffee, refreshments, and plenty of space for conversation.
