“Motivated by the desire for a home of their own and inspired by the ideals of the Co-operative Home building movement, 200 families from Hamilton gathered, then studied and in the end, (80) families committed to build their homes together in Grimsby, 20 miles east in the Niagara Fruit Belt”.
The exhibition “Sweat Equity: Grimsby Co-operative Homebuilders 1953 – 1956” celebrates the 60th anniversary of this unique housing development in Grimsby, Ontario. It tells the story of the 80 families who studied, planned and worked together to build one of the largest cooperative housing movements in Ontario. Visitors are provided with an understanding of the key elements of the movement through photographs and archival material. Interviews and stories from the original families provide personal insight into their experiences and commitment to the project.