Together, we can
create housing
that is sustainable
and affordable.
Nesting Ground is a Canadian non-profit real estate developer delivering sustainable, mixed-income affordable housing at scale through partnerships with governments, community housing providers, and private capital.
We de-risk affordable housing by aligning seasoned development execution with stable, long-term non-profit ownership.
Led by Graeme Hussey, a nationally recognized affordable housing expert, Nesting Ground combines deep non-profit sector relationships with proven, institutional-grade development expertise through our partnership with Windmill Developments, a developer with over 20 years of experience. Together, we deliver housing that is financially viable, environmentally sustainable, and socially impactful.
Nesting Ground retains long-term non-profit ownership of housing and partners with local community organizations to deliver affordable homes with appropriate supports. Active in Ottawa, Toronto, and Guelph, Nesting Ground is building the next generation of affordable housing across Canada.
Areas of Focus
Affordability
Delivering mixed-income, affordable homes at scale with community partners that bring the right supports.
Innovation
De-risking and accelerating housing delivery through proven development execution, nimble financing, and Modern Methods of Construction.
Zero Carbon
Building housing that meets the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Standard and advances One Planet Living® principles for healthier, resilient communities.
Projects
Our pipeline consists of over 2,000 units across projects that are ready to activate in 2026, with more than 35% affordable units. Windmill Developments is our development manager partner, ensuring Modern Methods of Construction and Zero Carbon design are applied to all projects. We prioritize Canadian materials and manufacturers, using Canadian prefabricated mass timber on at least half of our pipeline.
384 ArlingtonOttawa, ON
This 300 unit rental building will be delivered in partnership with Perley Health, Ottawa Aboriginal Coalition and Operation Come Home.
2475 ReginaOttawa, ON
This three-building condo and rental project includes a new space for Parkway House — a non-profit care facility for people with disabilities requiring 24/7 care.
Board of Directors
Nesting Ground is a non-profit governed by a board of directors and led by Graeme Hussey, a national affordable housing expert.
Graeme HusseyBoard President
Graeme Hussey is the Board President of Nesting Ground, where he provides strategic leadership to advance the organization's mission to deliver sustainable, mixed-income affordable housing at scale. A recognized national expert and frequent public speaker, Graeme is widely respected for his ability to help turn ambitious affordable housing goals into real-world delivery.
Graeme currently serves as a member of the Green Municipal Fund (GMF) Council and was on the board of the Housing Services Corporation (HSC). Previously, he was Director of Housing Development at Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation (CCOC) and President of Cahdco, where he led the creation of 1,000+ affordable homes. He also spearheaded Toolbox+ by Cahdco, a national community of practice designed to build sector capacity and accelerate non-profit housing development across Canada.
Martin CoteBoard Director
Martin Coté is a founder and managing member of Bluenose AC Investments Inc., an investment vehicle formed in 2013 to invest in real estate across Canada and the United States. He brings over 20 years of experience across all real estate asset classes in Canada, Europe, and the U.S. Previously, he spent five years in the Czech Republic with RPG Real Estate (BXR Group), overseeing a 12,000-acre land portfolio and investments in Tower Group A.S., a Danish-listed company with 10,000 apartments in Germany, where he also served as CEO and led the group’s U.S. investment strategy. Mr. Coté holds an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business and a Bachelor’s degree from HEC Montréal, and is Chairman of the Board of Pro REIT.
Julie FavreauBoard Director
Julie Favreau is a specialist in real estate finance and development as well as an accomplished lawyer. With her 20 years of experience in the industry, she is known for her multidisciplinary approach that focuses on innovative business models in real estate. Her focus on financing, governance, risk management and public policy in residential and well as commercial real estate makes her one of the leading figures solving the housing crisis in Quebec. She is particularly involved in heritage and religious buildings, ESG fund design as well as real estate pre-development.
Steffan JonesBoard Director
Steffan Jones is an independent housing advisor. Prior to this Steffan was with CMHC for 25 years and most recently Vice President, Business Transformation.
Cyndi Rottenberg-WalkerBoard Director
Consultant, Partner Emerita at Urban Strategies, Inc. Land use planner with experience from campus and community master plans through to development approvals and comprehensive policy studies, Cyndi leads large teams committed to effecting positive change in urban and urbanizing settings at all scales. Known for her skill in motivating diverse groups toward a common purpose, Cyndi understands what it takes to create healthy and enduring urban environments that effectively synthesize public and private interests.
Our Partners
Our strategic partnerships enable Nesting Ground to deliver housing that is sustainable, financially viable, and socially impactful. Together, we’re building communities that put people and planet first - now and for generations to come.
Nesting Ground partners with Windmill Developments on all projects to provide access to the capital and development expertise required to deliver sustainable, affordable housing at scale.
We partner with non-profit local community housing providers and support agencies to grow their capacity and scale their impact. Together, we’re able to build affordable, stable homes with meaningful supports.
People
Planet
Partnerships