In recent months, we’ve seen headlines dominated by fears of economic uncertainty – whether it’s global trade tensions, looming recessions, or the threat of potential annexation of Canada by the US. It’s easy to get caught up in fear and anxiety. But here’s the truth that has always stood the test of time: investing in local communities builds economic resilience and stability. And while times may feel unstable, the opportunity to invest in our local communities is more important than ever.
At Tapestry, we’ve been committed to the growth of the community investment ecosystem, and now is no different. Through every economic cycle, we’ve remained a trusted partner and helped organizations raise over $120 million in community bonds for local projects, ranging from affordable housing and renewable energy initiatives to arts & cultural spaces. While global financial markets fluctuate because they are extractive and unsustainable — leading to boom-and-bust recessions — our model stays consistent. Community investing is non-extractive, regenerative, and resilient because the work of our partners is essential, no matter what’s happening in the world.
Why “invest local” is more than just a crisis response
We’ve all heard the phrase “buy local” or “invest local” during times of crisis — be it a recession, global pandemic, or as we’re seeing now, trade war with the US. But community investment isn’t just a reaction to uncertainty. It’s a proactive, strategic, and impactful way to build stable, thriving economies.
The issues our partners are addressing aren’t going away. Our partners have been building and improving local economies for years, understanding that the challenges of economic and social instability are always a reality. These problems have always existed, and by working with non-profits, charities, and co-operatives, we’ve built stable financial solutions that withstand uncertainty. Their success depends on people choosing to invest in their communities — even during crises.
During COVID-19, we saw this in action, as our partners responded to wealth inequality and urgent social need, and more people turned to community bonds to invest in the causes they believed in. For example, Kensington Market Community Land Trust acquired their first property and Indwell expanded their supply of supportive housing to meet growing demand. In times of uncertainty, the most effective response isn’t waiting — it’s investing in what we know works.
Building local economies and fighting wealth inequality
When we talk about local investment, we’re not just talking about doing good for the community, we’re also talking about making a real economic impact and challenging the concentration of wealth. Local investment helps keep money circulating within the community, creates jobs, stimulates spending in local businesses, and leads to sustained economic growth. By reinvesting in our own communities, we’re ensuring that wealth is built and sustained from within, rather than accumulating in the hands of a few or relying on external, often unstable forces.
Take affordable housing development as an example: beyond providing shelter, it drives economic activity. It creates construction jobs, stimulates spending in local businesses, and reduces long-term costs in areas like healthcare and social services. In Toronto, 19% of renters spend more than 50% of their income on rent. In Vancouver, renters are spending more than 60% of their income on rent. More affordable housing means people have more money to put back into the economy — on groceries, arts and culture, education, starting a business, and more.
Community investments do far more than improve lives — they redirect wealth back into the hands of local people, rather than big commercial lenders, fueling local economic engines that provide stability even in times of global economic volatility. And when money stays local, it fosters greater stability, shared prosperity, and economic systems that work for more people.
Investing in stability, not speculation
Community bonds are one of the most effective tools for investing locally and building economic resilience. Stock markets are unpredictable especially during times of economic turbulence. While no investment is risk-free, community bonds offer a stable, transparent alternative. Investors know exactly where their money is going, the terms they can expect, and they can see and experience the tangible impacts of their investment in their own backyard.
For example, Propolis Housing Co-operative is raising $1.1M in community bonds to launch their first cooperative housing development in Kamloops. Last year, they acquired their first property, which will be transformed into a mixed-use, non-market development featuring 50 net-zero residential units, a daycare, and a theatre.
The future of local investment
In 2025 and beyond, the financial landscape will continue to evolve. But one thing is certain: the future of resilient economies lies in local investment. As we continue to grow and develop the community investment market in Canada, we are just scratching the surface of what’s possible. The retail impact investing market in Canada is conservatively estimated at over $800 billion. Imagine if even a fraction of that flowed into the non-profits, charities, and co-ops that are working on the ground to build a better future for us all.
This isn’t just a moment — it’s a movement. We need to view community investment as a core part of our financial infrastructure — not as a reaction to a crisis, but as a proactive step toward ensuring that our local economies can weather whatever comes next.
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