When most people think of real estate developers, they picture cranes, concrete, and construction schedules. But over the past few years—especially here in Muskoka—I’ve come to believe that our work is just as much about people as it is about projects.
And if we’re serious about building homes that make our communities stronger, developers like us need to think beyond the job site. We need to get to know our local nonprofits.
Why the Old Model Isn’t Enough Anymore
Traditionally, developers have worked with municipalities, planners, and engineers. That’s important. But too often, the voices of people who serve our most vulnerable residents—seniors, newcomers, families in crisis—are left out of the conversation.
This results in housing that meets the minimum requirements, but not the deeper needs of the communities we claim to support.
What We’ve Learned at BestLife
At The BestLife Group, we’ve made a conscious shift over the past few years. That includes working closely with nonprofit housing advocates, support agencies, and land trusts to ensure we’re not just building units—we’re building futures.
That hasn’t always been easy. Our world moves fast. Their world, by necessity, moves with care. We speak different languages—profit margins and project phases versus wraparound supports and lived experience.
But when we come together early in the process, something powerful happens: We start designing with more than just drywall in mind. We design with purpose.
Real Collaboration Means Shared Risk—and Shared Vision
Partnering with nonprofits isn’t just about donating funds or adding a community room at the last minute. It means sitting around the table from day one. It means listening—really listening—to what organizations are seeing on the ground: the seniors who can’t find accessible rentals, the single parents who commute 90 minutes to work, the mental health supports that are desperately needed onsite.
It also means being honest about what we can and can’t do. Developers face cost pressures, timelines, and regulatory hurdles. Nonprofits face staffing shortages and limited funding. But by being upfront, we build trust—and from there, solutions.
A Path Forward for Muskoka and Beyond
As housing pressures rise in places like Muskoka, the gap between what’s needed and what’s being built continues to grow. If we want to narrow that gap, we need creative partnerships that reflect both expertise and empathy.
That’s why I believe the future of development lies in collaboration—not competition. By working alongside nonprofits, we’re not only creating better housing—we’re building communities that last.
About the Author
Ben Jardine, P.Eng., is the founder of The BestLife Group, a purpose-driven construction and real estate development company based in Huntsville, Ontario. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Muskoka Community Land Trust and is committed to building solutions that serve people—not just portfolios.