NEWS RELEASE
Habitat for Humanity GTA Welcomes Families to New Homes on World Habitat Day
TORONTO, October 4, 2021 – Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area welcomed six families to their new homes in the city of Oshawa on World Habitat Day 2021 – an occasion recognized by the United Nations as an opportunity to reflect on the state of our towns and cities and reminds us that everyone has the basic right to adequate shelter. The families are proud new Habitat homeowners at Habitat for Humanity GTA’s recently completed CentreTowne community, located at 385 Centre St., Oshawa.
“As we hand over the keys of these homes to the newest Habitat partner families, we join the chorus of towns and cities around the world who are marking World Habitat Day,” said Habitat for Humanity GTA CEO Ene Underwood. “Today is proof that when government, the private sector, families, community leaders and non-profit organizations like Habitat for Humanity GTA all work together we can build affordable communities that will empower families to thrive for generations to come.”
Recognizing the need to address the impacts of climate change, the theme for this year’s World Habitat Day is “accelerating urban action for a carbon-free world.” Habitat for Humanity GTA prides itself on building communities with an energy efficiency standard that is 25% higher than the Ontario Building Code, including developments like CentreTowne.
“The completion of our CentreTowne community marks a critical milestone for us as we look to expand our offerings of affordable homeownership in Durham Region – something Habitat for Humanity GTA has the expertise, momentum and resources to do,” said Wayne Dempsey, Regional General Manager for Durham and Vice President of Construction for Habitat for Humanity GTA. “We know Oshawa is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country and we are redoubling our efforts to ensure there are plenty of affordable homes for families who are increasingly finding themselves priced out.”
The six families moved into the fifth and final phase of the CentreTowne development, a Habitat community constructed of 24 quality townhomes. With this project complete, Habitat for Humanity GTA continues to focus on its next big chapter in Durham and has already begun construction of its largest community to date. Located at 485 Normandy St. the new development will be comprised of 50 stacked townhomes – offering dozens of local families the opportunity to own their own Habitat home.
Earlier this year Statistics Canada identified Oshawa as one of the fastest-expanding cities in the country, growing more than 2% year-over-year, higher than the national average of just 1.3%. As a result, average home prices have been skyrocketing in Oshawa and recently surpassed $800,000 – with half of the increase taking place since the beginning of the pandemic. The sobering trend is in line with what has taken place in most cities surrounding the Toronto area, pricing an increasing number of families out of the rental and housing market, making the need for more affordable housing greater than ever before. In 2019, Habitat for Humanity GTA and Habitat for Humanity Durham joined forces to increase capacity and resources to deliver greater impact in the region.
Habitat for Humanity GTA is currently recruiting volunteers for its Normandy build site. Whether you are a contractor or have never picked up a hammer in your life, we welcome all levels of experience. To volunteer with us please visit habitatgta.ca/volunteer.
-30-
About Habitat for Humanity GTA
Habitat for Humanity GTA is a local organization with a global vision of a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. We mobilize communities to help working families build strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable homeownership. With the help of volunteers, donors, and community partners we provide a solid foundation for better, healthier lives for families in the GTA. Since 1988, Habitat GTA has built 23 new communities, providing a hand-up to hundreds of families so parents and children can have a safe, decent and affordable place to call home. To learn more visit habitatgta.ca.
For media requests, please contact:
Johnny Keogh
Communications Manager
(416) 755-7353 x 2243