Small Towns, Big Opportunities: Why Builders Should Think Outside the Box

If you’re a builder or developer working in a small town—or thinking about it—this is your moment.

Across Canada, communities with populations under 5,000 are facing a real housing crunch. They need rental units, starter homes, and senior-friendly options. And they’re ready to work with builders who can help make it happen.

But here’s the thing: in smaller places, the usual development model doesn’t always fit. That’s why smart builders are starting to explore non-traditional partnerships—and it’s working.

Boissevain-Morton Is Ready to Build With You

Boissevain-Morton, Manitoba, is one of those towns that’s not just talking about housing—they’re taking action. They’re actively looking for builders to partner with, and they’re keeping things flexible. Instead of offering a fixed package, they’re tailoring support to match your experience and your plan.

They’ve even brought in Matthewson & Co. to help the chosen developer apply for funding. That means if your project is selected, you’ll have expert help navigating grants and incentives—so you can focus on building.

Extraordinary Funding Is Available Right Now

The federal and provincial governments are finally fulfilling their promises to support housing. There's more funding available now than we've seen in years—grants, incentives, and programs designed specifically to get housing built in rural and underserved areas.

These programs won’t cover everything, but they can partially fund your project, reduce your upfront costs, and make the numbers work in places where they didn’t before.

Creative Partnerships That Work

In small towns, partnerships can take many forms. Here are a few ideas already working in communities across Canada:

·            Shared trades and services: Builders team up to share crews, equipment, or even office space to cut costs.

·            Modular and prefab builds: These speed up construction and reduce labour needs—perfect for towns with limited workforce.

·            Land and servicing support: Municipalities offer land or help with infrastructure to make projects more viable.

·            Non-profit collaborations: Builders work with housing organizations to access funding and community support.

·            Local hiring and training: Contractors partner with schools or employment programs to train local workers and build capacity.

Why It Works for Builders

·            Lower competition: You’re not bidding against dozens of other firms.

·            Community support: Towns want you to succeed—they’ll help where they can.

·            Stable rental markets: Demand is steady, and tenants often stay long-term.

·            Partial funding is available, and you'll have help applying for it.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a builder with a vision, small towns like Boissevain-Morton are ready to work with you. They’re not just looking for someone to pour concrete—they’re looking for someone to help shape the future of their community.

So don’t wait for the perfect deal to land in your lap. Reach out, start the conversation, and explore what’s possible. Because in today’s housing market, thinking outside the box might be the smartest move you make.