The Guelph Tiny Homes Coalition (GTHC) unveiled its tiny home prototype to the community this week.
GTHC was formed in January and its goal is to create a tiny home community where unhoused people can live temporarily.
The model tiny home was designed and built by GTHC member Allen Remley of Remley Homes and White Rock Tiny Home Solutions. The home is 120 sq/ft. It’s built with steel siding, insulation, “operable windows that allow a cross-breeze and reinforced lockable steel door to keep possessions and residents safe,” said in a press release.
There are electrical outlets in the home and they can be used once electricity is set up to it.
The reason it is under 160 sq/ft is because it doesn’t need a building permit for being that small, said Remley.
The tiny home is insulated with spray foam and it has a ceramic heater so those living in it during the winter will be kept warm.
A tiny home like this including labour and materials costs about $28,000, he said.
In addition to the homes the coalition wants to build a communal space to include showers, laundry and a kitchen for residents to use.
The coalition toured the tiny home outdoor shelter space in Waterloo on Erbs Road. The homes are retrofitted containers. “It looked too much like a jail to me. And I thought it would take away people's dignity. So we want to get them looking a little bit different,” said Remley.
Coalition members also took a look at A Better Tent City in Kitchener. The homes have regular insulation and smart board panelling on the outside. Remley thought spending a bit more money on the GTHC tiny homes now would serve them better to last for the long-term. The model tiny home has metal siding and a metal roof.
“We are thrilled to have the first home built and show the community what these homes will look like,” said Dennis Devey, Guelph Tiny Homes Coalition board member, in the release. “We recognize that there is a lot of need in our community right now, and this is one part of a longer-term vision that will provide a safe option for unhoused residents while more permanent, supportive housing is being established.”
Remley thinks a tiny home structured encampment for people who are unhoused would put hope in their lives.
GTHC is working with the City of Guelph to identify a suitable site for the homes.
Remley said it would be great if a private citizen would come forward with a reasonable rate on leasing land.
“With private citizens and volunteer help, I think we can put together something that'll work,” he said. He welcomes any help or money people and governments can offer towards this project.
The coalition knows tent encampments are not suitable for safety or provide adequate shelter for unhoused people in the community. The tiny homes could provide a solution to homelessness in Guelph, said in the release.
