More than 60 women and men joined Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR) from September 21 to 24 for Women Build, helping to raise the walls for three affordable homes for local families in Norwood along with $15,250.
The event brought together corporate teams, community members, and Habitat volunteers for four days of hands-on construction, concluding with a cocktail celebration at U4 Rooftop Event Space at Euphoria Wellness Spa in Peterborough on September 25.
The homes will provide affordable homeownership for a three-generation family of women, a single mother raising two teenagers, and a single-income family with two small children.
“We had a really great week in Norwood,” said Habitat PKR CEO Susan Zambonin at the September 25 celebration, according to a media release. “People showed up with their teams, their friends and their coworkers, and they were ready to get to work. They picked up tools, learned new skills, asked questions, raised walls, and helped move these three homes forward.”
Peterborough-based engineering, land use planning, and environmental services firm D.M. Wills Associates returned as presenting sponsor for a second consecutive year, bringing two employee teams to the construction site.
Teams from Peterborough County, Leon’s Peterborough, ANDRITZ Hydro, and Tom Reburn Realtor also participated, with individuals joining through Community Build Day.
“I want to give a very special thank you to D.M. Wills, our presenting sponsor,” Zambonin said. “This is your second year supporting Women Build, and what stands out to me is that you don’t just write a cheque and walk away. You bring your people, you show up, and you get involved. That matters.”
Part of an international Habitat for Humanity initiative, Women Build creates opportunities for women to gain construction experience in a supportive environment while helping families access affordable housing. Participants of all genders are welcome, and no previous building experience is required.
This year’s event returned to a home construction site after Women Build retreats in the Haliburton Highlands in 2024 and 2025, where participants built bunkies and planters.
Throughout the Norwood event, participants worked alongside Habitat staff and volunteers, learning to use tools and getting a closer look at the work involved in building a home.
“Women Build is about more than building homes,” said Calli McEachen, vice president of people and culture at D.M. Wills Associates. “It’s about creating opportunities for women to step into new spaces, learn new skills, and discover what they’re capable of when they come together with a shared purpose.”
“I believe women belong wherever there is an opportunity to build, lead, and create change, and this initiative created exactly that kind of environment.”
The three single-storey, three-bedroom homes were designed by Marshall Design Studio and incorporate universal design, energy-efficient construction, and outdoor space. All three future homeowner families are already members of the Norwood community.
Habitat PKR’s affordable homeownership program requires no down payment and offers mortgages geared to household income. Partner families contribute 500 volunteer hours, which can include work on their own homes.
Local businesses also supported Women Build by supplying meals, treats, and drinks. Contributors included Central Smith, Tim Hortons, Coca-Cola Canada, CIBC Pyle Wealth Advisory, Papa’s Pizzaland Norwood, Jersey Mike’s Subs, M & J Plumbing, That’s A Wrap Catering, Crumbl Cookie, and Papa’s Burgerland Co.
“It really does take a community to build a home, and this week was a great example of what that looks like,” Zambonin said. “The $15,250 raised will help us continue building these three homes and bring three local families closer to affordable homeownership.”
Habitat PKR serves the City of Peterborough, Peterborough County, the City of Kawartha Lakes, and Haliburton County.
For more information, visit habitatpeterborough.ca
