Habitat for Humanity GTA Welcomes Families, Celebrates Completion of 20 Homes in West Toronto
June 18 2024 - 5:51PM
Habitat for Humanity GTA (Habitat GTA), families, volunteers,
donors and government partners gathered today to welcome families
to their new homes at the heart of the city, on Old Weston Road,
just north of St. Clair Avenue West. Habitat GTA recently completed
the construction of 20 new affordable homes so parents and kids can
live affordably and enjoy the benefits of homeownership.
“At a time when our communities are facing a housing
affordability crisis, today is a testament to the power of
partnership. It is proof that working together, we can create real,
tangible solutions that help working families,” said Habitat GTA
CEO Ene Underwood. “Beyond bricks and mortar, these homes will be
places where parents can cook meals for visiting in-laws, kids can
have rooms of their own to hang up posters and play, and the
community at large becomes a stronger, equitable and more diverse
place where we all thrive.”
“For the first time, we have a home that meets our needs, and it
truly feels like the future is brighter,” said Kristina Macapagal.
“Our family is looking forward to making memories in our new home,
making new friends and remaining a part of this beautiful city we
are grateful to call home. Thank you to all the volunteers, donors
and government leaders for making this day possible.”
The new community, valued at approximately $12.8 million, has
been supported by the Government of Canada, the Province of
Ontario, the City of Toronto, generous donor contributions, and
families who pay an affordable mortgage geared to their
incomes.
Since 2019, the Government of Canada has made a total funding
commitment of $11.7M through the Affordable Housing Fund under the
National Housing Strategy towards Habitat GTA's projects, including
these homes.
“The Government of Canada in collaboration with partners like
Habitat for Humanity is creating safe and affordable housing
options for Canadians,” said Julie Dzerowicz, Member of Parliament
for Davenport on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of
Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “I am thrilled to see the
outcome of our work here in the heart of Toronto, where 20 families
are celebrating moving into their affordable new homes. I wish them
all the happiness and success as they start this new adventure in
their lives.”
In March 2023, the Government of Canada and Habitat for Humanity
Canada announced an additional $25 million investment to build 500
new affordable homes across Canada over the next three years. This
brings the total federal investment in Habitat for Humanity to
$80.8 million through the Government of Canada’s Affordable Housing
Fund.
“These new affordable homes will make a real difference in the
lives of the families moving in, giving them an opportunity to
thrive and build a better future,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of
Municipal Affairs and Housing. “Our government will continue to
work closely with our federal and municipal partners to ensure
every Ontarian can find a place to call home that meets their
needs."
This project exemplifies the transformative potential of
repurposing underutilized land into vibrant housing solutions. The
Habitat homes are seamlessly integrated into the wider Reunion
Crossing community, a dynamic development by Diamond Kilmer on
surplus City of Toronto lands acquired through a competitive bid
managed by CreateTO.
“The City of Toronto is proud to partner with various levels of
government to mobilize much-needed funding for affordable housing.
We congratulate Habitat GTA on successfully welcoming families to
these homes, and for continuing to expand their impact in Toronto’s
housing sector,” said Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow.
The 20 Habitat homes blend indistinguishably with the
neighbouring townhomes, coming together thanks to volunteers
contributing more than 14, 000 hours and the support of
partnerships with municipal, federal, and provincial
governments.
A new street in this new neighbourhood, “Ed Clark Gardens,” has
been named after the former CEO of TD Bank Group and longtime
philanthropist who has supported multiple community-based charities
including Habitat GTA, Woodgreen, United Way, Friends of Ruby and
YMCA.
Habitat GTA would like to thank Ed Clark, the Government of
Canada, the Province of Ontario the City of Toronto, CreateTO and
Diamond Kilmer Developments for their partnership and support in
making these affordable homes possible.
-30-
About Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area (Habitat
GTA): Habitat for Humanity GTA is Greater Toronto’s most
recognized provider and advocate of solutions that tackle our
region’s housing crisis. Our mission is to create a world where
everyone has a safe, quality place to live. We focus on creative
solutions to address the affordable housing crisis in Toronto,
Brampton, Caledon, York Region and Durham Region. With the help of
volunteers, donors and community partners, we unlock change for
generations by bringing the benefits of home ownership to more
people and communities. Since 1988, Habitat GTA has built 23 new
communities, empowering more than 550 families. To learn more,
visit https://habitatgta.ca/.
Contact:
Johnny KeoghSenior Communications
Manager647-883-7572Johnny.Keogh@habitatgta.ca
Micaal AhmedOffice of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure
and Communitiesmicaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca
- Habitat for Humanity GTA Welcomes Families Home in West
Toronto
- Ribbon Cutting for New Street, Ed Clark Gardens
Johnny Keogh
Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area
6478837572
johnny.keogh@habitatgta.ca