Susan Zambonin Awarded the Terry Petkau Legacy Award

We’re thrilled to share that Susan Zambonin, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region, has been awarded the Terry Petkau Legacy Award – Outstanding Staff, the highest honour presented by Habitat for Humanity Canada.

Named after the late Terry Petkau—affectionately remembered as “the heart of Habitat”—this national award recognizes exceptional leadership, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to advancing affordable housing across the country.

Susan was officially presented with the award on May 16, 2025, during a special gala at the Habitat Canada National Conference in Halifax. A heartfelt tribute video featured messages from colleagues, volunteers, board members, and Habitat homeowners, each reflecting on the profound impact of Susan’s leadership and passion.

With more than 20 years of service to Habitat for Humanity, Susan’s journey began as a volunteer board member with Habitat PEI. Since then, she has gone on to lead three affiliates—PEI, Kingston Limestone Region, and now Peterborough & Kawartha Region—supporting over 120 families on their journey to affordable homeownership.

Here in the Peterborough and Kawartha Region, Susan has led Habitat PKR through some of its most ambitious milestones to date. From completing our largest build ever—a 41-unit affordable condo on Leahy’s Lane—to championing innovative construction methods like 3D printing, Susan continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

This spring, Habitat PKR broke ground on its first-ever 3D-printed home in Fraserville—an exciting step forward in building sustainable, cost-effective housing for local families. And later this summer, construction will begin on an accessible duplex in East City in partnership with Our Daughters’ Home. This project will provide safe, supportive housing for seven women with developmental disabilities and a live-in caregiver.

Susan is a force,” says Hope Lee, Chair of the Habitat PKR Board of Directors. “She lives and breathes the mission of Habitat. Whether she’s wearing a blazer on Parliament Hill or a hard hat on a build site, she shows up with purpose and passion. No job is too small, no challenge too big—and this award is a powerful recognition of the heart and grit she brings to everything she does.

At Habitat PKR, we believe everyone deserves a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home. Thanks to Susan’s vision and leadership, we’re building that future—one home, one family, and one bold idea at a time!

Join us in congratulating Susan Zambonin!