Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North grows local build partnerships to address the need for affordable, accessible housing in the City of Greater Sudbury and Sudbury District.
City of Greater Sudbury, ON, August 24, 2022 – The need is greater than ever for affordable housing options in the North. Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North (OGN) is taking a collaborative and community approach that will see the construction of multiple homes that are unique, easy to construct, and cost-effective. This initiative, called, ‘Our House/Notre Maison’, will bring much-needed affordable housing to the City of Greater Sudbury and communities in Sudbury District.
Michael Cullen, Director of Community Partnerships for OGN says, “This can only be achieved with like-minded large-scale partnerships and transparent community input. The Our House/Notre Maison coalition brings partners together to help accelerate the planning, design, and building of these homes.”
Cullen adds, “An important element of this initiative is inclusivity. As we work with the City of Greater Sudbury and the District of Sudbury, public consultation will be critical and will involve diverse groups, including newcomers, immigrants and refugees, Indigenous Peoples, Veterans, persons living with disabilities, and the LGBTQ2S+ communities. These homes will be designed and built with community input while respecting the diverse cultural elements of each group.”
“Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North has a highly collaborative group in place,” continues Cullen. “We’re pleased to announce that Collège Boréal and EllisDon have joined the coalition, along with 3rd Line.Studio and Soublière Constructors.”
Collège Boreal, colleges can play an important role in projects such as these because of their experience-based approach to education. Collège Boréal’s talented faculty will guide students in conceptualizing and building affordable custom homes, helping to alleviate the shortage of labour in the skilled trades and other related areas. “Strong communities can only be built if we all contribute to the greater good. Teaching students high-quality skills while cultivating their desire to participate in community-driven projects is at the heart of Collège Boréal’s values.”
According to Daniel Giroux, President of Collège Boréal, colleges can play an important role in projects such as these because of their experience-based approach to education. Collège Boréal’s talented faculty will guide students in conceptualizing and building affordable custom homes, helping to alleviate the shortage of labour in the skilled trades and other related areas. “Strong communities can only be built if we all contribute to the greater good. Teaching students high-quality skills while cultivating their desire to participate in community-driven projects is at the heart of Collège Boréal’s values.”
Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North is also excited to share that Jeffrey Malo of EllisDon has joined the coalition and will offer expertise in planning, costings, and overall guidance to 3RD Line.Studio and Soublière Constructors. Malo is supportive of community initiatives and is passionate about working alongside like-minded individuals to develop, plan and execute these projects. He is excited to aid in providing cost-effective, sustainable, and affordable housing solutions for our communities.
Karsh Singh, President of Soublière Constructors reaffirms the importance of community input to this project. “With over 37 years in the business, Soublière understands the importance of having true invested leadership to provide experience and guidance to control the planning and construction of custom-built, affordable housing options for the community.” Singh adds, “Including skills development and creating opportunities for training is also a key element. This will help ensure that the entire scope of building multiple homes is sustainable while assuring a broader community impact.”
Mike Ladyk, Partner, 3rd Line.Studio is honoured to be a part of the solution to providing affordable housing options to the citizens of Greater Sudbury. “We look forward to working with our collaborative partners in developing innovative designs to suit the many needs of both families and individuals.”
Organizations looking to become involved may contact Michael Cullen directly at mcullen@habitatgatewaynorth.com or 705-929-9892.
About Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North
Amalgamated in 2016, Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North is a not-for-profit organization working toward a world where everyone has a safe, suitable, and affordable place to call home. Habitat for Humanity brings communities together to help families build strength, stability, and independence through affordable housing.
With the help of government organizations, charitable foundations, local businesses, individual community members, volunteers, and other Habitat partners we provide a solid foundation for better, healthier lives in our service area, in Canada, and around the world. Our region serves communities across central and northern Ontario, including North Simcoe County, Muskoka, Parry Sound, Nipissing, Greater Sudbury and Cochrane. Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North is an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity Canada, which was established in 1985.
To date, across Canada, Habitat for Humanity has helped thousands of families in need of a hand up. Across the globe, Habitat for Humanity has grown to become a leading global not-for-profit working in more than 70 countries. For more information visit www.habitatgatewaynorth.com.
For more information:
Michael Cullen
Director of Community Partnerships, Greater Sudbury and Sudbury District
Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North
(705) 929-9892