A unique affordable housing project in Chatham is up for a grant from the David Suzuki Foundation.
The Brickworks Community from the non-profit group the Opportunity Village Land Trust (OVCLT) is one of the 15 finalists for the Future Ground Prize.
The community of about 30 small, net-zero homes between Taylor Avenue and Memory Lane is up for two awards.
"There's a voting portion for the People's Choice for the top 10 finalists, so that is $2,500 for the People's Choice Award," said project manager Rose Linseman. "And then there is a grand prize of $5,000 and a meet and discuss the project with David Suzuki."
The grand prize winner will be picked by a jury, while voting for the People's Choice prize is open until Tuesday, June 15th.
Land trusts are a relatively new concept in Canada but have become common practice in the United Kingdom. Linseman hopes winning will inspire other communities to try something similar.
"To get the word out about the opportunity to do this in our community, as well as in other communities, is just such a big, big part of what we're trying to do. Trying to spread the word of trying to help people out."
You can find the link to vote for the "Small Homes, Big Community Heart" project by clicking here. Linseman says the project is a little behind because of the pandemic.
"We are looking at site rezoning. We're looking to break ground in the fall, or the spring at the latest, and then we'll move forward with construction over the year."
Back in December, the OVCLT received a $380,000 grant from the municipality of Chatham-Kent to assist with construction costs, planning application fees, building permit fees and public utility-related fees.
For more on the OVCLT, visit their website at www.ovclt.ca.