Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) welcomed 12 families to their new homes at 21 Leahy’s Lane in Peterborough during a dedication ceremony on Sunday (October 20).
The 12-unit affordable condo building of 11 two-bedroom units and a single one-bedroom unit, which was completed this year, is the second and final phase of Habitat PKR’s Leahy’s Lane development. The first phase, a 41-unit condo building at 33 Leahy’s Lane, was completed in April 2022.
The Leahy’s Lane development was the first of its kind for Habitat for Humanity across Canada. Habitat PKR, whose previous home-building efforts focused on semi-detached or fully detached homes, recognized that a new approach was required to address the housing crisis and lack of affordable homes.
“This is a key milestone in of Habitat PKR’s ongoing mission to help families achieve strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership,” reads a media release from Habitat PKR.
Each of the units at at 21 Leahy’s Lane is fully complete with in-suite appliances including a fridge, dishwasher, washer and dryer, and stove. The energy-efficient condo units will help owners save on utility costs.
One of those new owners is Mohamed, who will be moving into his new home with his wife and five-year-old son. At Sunday’s dedication ceremony, he shared how the opportunity for affordable homeownership through Habitat PKR will empower his family by providing them with a stable space for his son to grow up in, and by giving them financial security and stability for the future.
“If you had asked me eight years ago whether I would ever own a home, I would have said, ‘No, never.’,” Mohamed said. “But today, standing here, it feels like a dream come true for my family and me.”
With the completion of the two phases of the Leahy’s Lane development, 53 local families have been able to achieve affordable homeownership through Habitat PKR’s program, which requires no down payment and caps mortgage payments at no more than a maximum of 30 per cent of the homeowner’s gross income. To be eligible, a homeowner must have an annual household income between $30,000 to $80,000 and have a need for affordable housing.
“Homeownership isn’t just about providing shelter — it’s about giving families the foundation they need to thrive and build a better future,” said Habitat PKR CEO Susan Zambonin. “The families moving into these homes are gaining a hand-up, not a hand-out, into the security and financial stability they need to thrive.”
Zambonin thanked the Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation and Kawartha Credit Union for their support of Habitat PKR, as well as the federal government, which has made a total funding commitment of $4.75 million to Habitat PKR projects, including the Leahy’s Lane development, through the Affordable Housing Fund under the National Housing Strategy.
Along with Zambonin and new homeowner Mohamed, speakers at Sunday’s dedication ceremony included Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal, Habitat PKR board chair Hope Lee and Habitat for Humanity Canada board director Mehdi Nezarati, Peterborough-Kawartha MP Michelle Ferrari and MPP Dave Smith, Lessa Issa of Kawartha Credit Union, Leahy’s Lane condo board president Ashley Doust, and Habitat PKR communications and marketing manager Holly O’Connor.
Attendees were given the opportunity to tour 21 Leahy’s Lane, including a staged unit with furniture and décor from Habitat PKR’s ReStores.
Proceeds from sales of items at the three ReStores, located in Peterborough, Lakefield, and Lindsay, cover all the operational costs of Habitat PKR so that all financial donations to the non-profit organization go directly towards building affordable homes.
“While today’s dedication is a moment to celebrate, it is also a reminder that our work is far from finished,” Zambonin said, noting that Habitat PKR received 316 requests for affordable housing in 2023 alone.
“The housing crisis persists and the demand for affordable housing in the Peterborough and Kawartha Region continues to grow. As the leading developer of affordable housing in our community, we are committed to meeting this need through continued construction and community support.”
For more information about Habitat PKR and how to get involved or donate, visit www.habitatpkr.ca.
