Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) is teaming up with Places for People, a not-for-profit charity that specializes in developing and managing affordable rental housing for people in Haliburton County, to build a 35-unit affordable condominium development in Haliburton.
The partnership and proposed development on Peninsula Road, announced on Thursday (September 18) at a community event at the Haliburton Legion, would help address the urgent need for affordable housing in Haliburton County by combining home ownership and rentals.
Habitat PKR would offer 20 housing units through its affordable homeownership program, which allows individuals and families to purchase a home with no down payment and a geared-to-income mortgage, and Places for People aims to purchase 15 units for affordable rentals along with a commercial unit for the organization’s use.
“When the chance to purchase land in Haliburton came up, we knew the need was there,” Holly McKinnon, communications and marketing manager for Habitat PKR, told kawarthaNOW.
“Almost 40 per cent of tenant households in the (Haliburton area) are paying more than 30 per cent of their income on housing. Partnering with Places for People just made sense. They’re rooted in the community, they have strong support, and their affordable rental program reaches people who may not qualify for a Habitat mortgage but still deserve safe, stable housing.”
The development would include one and two bedroom units that are universally accessible, modern, and energy-efficient for individuals, couples, families, and seniors, as well as dedicated commercial space.
The partnership between the two organizations combines Habitat PKR’s decades of experience building affordable homes and supporting families into homeownership with Places for People’s knowledge of affordable rental housing and its connections in the local community.
“Habitat PKR has long been the trusted leader in building affordable homes for homeownership, making them the perfect partner for Places for People as we expand the affordable rental sector,” said Places for People president Susan Tromanhauser in a statement. “Together, the organizations are creating a model that will strengthen Haliburton for years to come.”
With plans still in early development, the two organizations are currently focusing on gaining community support and raising funds for the development. The earliest date for construction to begin is 2027.
“These 35 homes will be so much more than affordable housing,” said Habitat PKR CEO Susan Zamboni. “They will give local families and individuals the stability, dignity, and opportunity they deserve. Safe, stable housing strengthens the entire community. When people have a secure place to live, their incomes grow, they invest locally, and Haliburton thrives.”
Since 2002, Habitat PKR has supported 98 families into affordable homeownership through a series of home-building projects.
Since 2010, Places for People has grown to own and manage 20 residential units across Haliburton County, housing over 100 people including 32 families.
