The Canadian Network of Community Land Trusts (CNCLT), in partnership with Parkdale Neighbourhood Land Trust (PNLT), is excited to release a new five-part guide series designed to support community land trusts across Canada as they plan, grow, and scale their impact.

These guides are grounded in real-world experiences of PNLT staff and members, demonstrating how a community land trust can deliver high-quality, community-owned, permanently affordable housing in response to evidence-based housing needs, all while supporting its local economy through social procurement.

They are practical tools that CLTs can adapt to their local context — whether you are emerging, stabilizing, or preparing for growth.

The series includes five guides:

Parkdale Neighbourhood Land Trust has been a national leader in demonstrating what community-based scaling can look like in practice. Over the past several years, PNLT has grown its organizational capacity, strengthened governance and financing systems, and advanced major projects — including the upcoming development of Parkdale People’s Place, a community-owned hub that will deliver deeply affordable housing and community space in Toronto’s Parkdale neighbourhood.

PNLT’s recent case study on scaling a community-based CLT captures lessons learned from this growth journey and informs many of the tools and insights reflected in this guide series. Their experience underscores what is possible when strong community governance, disciplined planning, and long-term stewardship come together.