Three local families are one step closer to affordable homeownership after Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) broke ground today on three new single-family homes in Norwood.
The three single family, three-bedroom homes, will provide local families with the opportunity to purchase their homes through Habitat PKR’s affordable homeownership model, which offers no down payment and a geared-to-income mortgage. Designed with energy-efficient construction, universal design features, and spacious outdoor areas for family life, the homes are expected to welcome the three new homeowner families in winter 2026/2027.
As housing costs continue to rise across Ontario, affordable homeownership remains out of reach for many hardworking families. Habitat PKR’s affordable homeownership model helps bridge that gap, creating opportunities for families to build long-term stability instead of ongoing housing insecurity. Recent research by Habitat for Humanity Canada and Deloitte found that 80% of Habitat homeowners would not have become homeowners without Habitat, while 41% went on to pursue additional education after becoming homeowners. The research also found improvements in employment, financial security, health, and overall well-being, demonstrating that affordable homeownership creates opportunities that extend far beyond housing.
“A healthy community isn’t defined only by who moves in. It’s also defined by who has the opportunity to stay,” said Susan Zambonin, CEO of Habitat PKR. “Across Peterborough, the Kawarthas, and Haliburton County, we meet families every day who are contributing to their communities, raising children, building careers, and doing everything they can to move forward. Yet for many, homeownership feels further away than ever. These homes are about more than putting up walls, they’re about creating stability, opportunity, and ensuring young families can continue living, working, and investing in communities like Norwood.”
The project was only made possible through financing provided by Peterborough County through their new Open Door initiative, supporting new affordable homeownership opportunities in communities across the County.
“Peterborough County is proud to partner with Habitat on this first Open Door project in Norwood,” said Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark. “Projects like this create opportunities for families to achieve homeownership while strengthening the fabric of our rural communities.”
Community members were joined at the groundbreaking by Warden Bonnie Clark, Mayor Patrick Wilford of the Township of Asphodel-Norwood, donors, volunteers, trade partners, and other supporters who gathered to celebrate the beginning of construction.
A display featuring an architectural rendering of one of the future homes, designed by Marshall Design
Studios and coloured by future homeowner Nora (8) alongside her drawing of her family, served as a touching reminder of the lives these homes will soon impact.
The project was made possible through the generosity of many community partners and supporters. Habitat PKR extends its sincere thanks to Crowley Farms for the donation of land, Peterborough County for its support through Open Door, County staff who recently hosted a fundraising barbecue in support of the project, and trade partners including Alf Curtis Home Improvements, Plumbing by Doug, R&M Smith Contracting, and Lifestyle Home Products.
Thanks to the support of donors, volunteers, businesses, and community partners, these three homes are becoming a reality for local families and helping ensure the next generation can continue to live, work, and thrive in rural communities like Norwood.