Habitat PKR Kicks Off its Second Phase of Affordable Condos

Peterborough, ON May 23, 2023– Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) was joined by Habitat for Humanity Canada, City of Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal, locally elected officials, media, and members of the community, to kick off construction for Phase 2 of Leahy’s Lane – an attractive energy efficient, 12-unit condo development located next to Habitat PKR’s Phase 1 development in the City’s north end.

Mayor Jeff Leal graciously opened the event and warmly welcomed community members to witness this significant milestone.

It is no secret that our city has a housing crisis. Peterborough has an extremely low vacancy rate of 1.1%, amongst the top 4 in Canada today. We need every type of housing, especially affordable housing, to make sure everyone has a good place to live,” says Leal. “That’s why projects like this are so important to the future of this community.

“I want to thank Susan Zambonin, and everyone at Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region, as well as CMHC, and members of the community, for making this project possible. I look forward to the day when families move in to the much needed condominiums,” expresses Leal.

Habitat PKR CEO, Susan Zambonin, then shared insight about the Phase 2 build project, and what it will mean for the community.

With the success of Phase 1, we are excited to be able to provide more affordable homeownership opportunities for local families and individuals in the community. Thanks to the continued investment from the Government of Canada and CMHC, more lives will be transformed through a community effort to help families build strength, stability, and self-reliance,

Susan Zambonin, Habitat PKR CEO

The Phase 2 condo development on Leahy’s Lane will be comprised of 11 2-bedroom units, and 1 1-bedroom unit, to provide local families and individuals in need of safe and affordable housing the opportunity to become homeowners through Habitat for Humanity’s model of affordable homeownership.

Habitat for Humanity Canada Board Member Kathleen Flynn shared a few words about the housing crisis across Canada, and congratulated Habitat PKR for embarking on this project.

We’re very proud to have leaders like Susan Zambonin, Board Chair Hope Lee, and their amazing colleagues as part of our Habitat family,” says Flynn.

This innovative development is supported by the Government of Canada. Through the National Housing Strategy’s National Housing Co-Investment Fund, the Government of Canada has invested $600,000 into these homes, bringing Habitat for Humanity one step closer to creating 1,117 new affordable homes across Canada.

Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, the Government of Canada is investing in affordable housing here in Peterborough, and across the country. Thanks to today’s announcement and in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region, 12 deserving families will achieve their dream of owning a home- homes they can proudly call their own. I hope that they find great happiness in their new homes.

The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion

Habitat’s model of affordable homeownership bridges the gap for low-income families who face barriers to homeownership by providing an opportunity to purchase their own homes with a low-interest, geared-to-income mortgage. With a little help, Habitat homeowners are empowered to build better, healthier, more financially stable lives.

Habitat PKR Board Chair Hope Lee thanked the community for their unwavering support to Habitat PKR, and to the families we serve.

To our volunteers, to our cash donors, our ReStore shoppers and donors, trades and suppliers, and consulting partners, we cannot do this without all of you. Let us continue to rally around our mission, united in our purpose, and inspired by the impact that we create through the power of affordable homeownership,” concludes Lee.

Closing the event on a high note, Habitat PKR announced that a Grade 6 Peterborough student won the runner-up prize for the 2023 Meaning of Home national writing contest. Ellyot W., from St. Catherine Catholic Elementary School, read her winning piece “What Home Means To Me”, in front of all the attendees at the Build Kick-Off. Out of 12,000 entries, Ellyot’s entry was chosen, and resulted in a $10,000 grant to Habitat PKR’s Phase 2 build project. Among those who came to celebrate her win were her close family members, and her teacher.

For those interested in affordable homeownership, applications for Phase 2 remain open until all 12 homeowners are selected. For more information on Habitat PKR’s affordable Homeownership Program, click here.

Read the full Press Release here: Media Release – Habitat PKR Phase 2 Build Kick Off with CMHC – 230414

About Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region

Founded in 2002, Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting homeownership across the Peterborough & Kawartha Region. Habitat gives a ‘hand-up’ not a ‘hand-out’ to lower-income families by offering a no down payment, low-interest mortgage geared to income.

To learn more about Habitat PKR, click here.

For more information, please contact Communications and Donor Services Manager, Jenn MacDonald jenn@habitatpkr.ca