Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce welcomed a financial boost to its Building for Impact campaign.
On April 1, Bruce Power presented a $150,000 cheque to help fund the construction of eight new town homes on 19th Street East, across from Duncan McLellan Park in Owen Sound. The groundbreaking for the project is expected to take place later this year.
“Bruce Power is a strong supporter of happy, healthy communities,” said Bruce Power Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President James Scongack. “One of the biggest challenges our region currently faces is a lack of attainable and affordable housing. That’s why, in 2025, Bruce Power increased its annual Habitat for Humanity Revolutionary sponsorship to provide $150,000 towards the building of eight residences in Owen Sound.” “Habitat for Humanity continues to pave the way to affordable home ownership through hard work, partnership and leading home ownership innovations,” Scongack added.
This investment to Habitat Grey Bruce comes as part of a greater investment, announced on December 11, 2024, of 1.35 million dollars that Bruce Power committed to residential projects across Bruce, Grey and Huron Counties.
“We are extremely grateful for Bruce Power’s support of our Owen Sound Townhome Build. Their commitment to creating attainable and affordable homeownership opportunities will change the lives of the families who will purchase these homes,” said Habitat Grey Bruce Executive Director Greg Fryer. “Bruce Power’s leadership through their charitable giving and providing volunteers to build our homes with us embodies what it means to be a true community partner. Together, we are addressing the housing affordability crisis and building stronger, more sustainable communities.”
Fryer added that it's part of efforts to do more to address the housing crisis.
"We have inquiries every week for people looking for an affordable home through our program," Fryer revealed. "We just wish we could do more and but the need is great, and we're hoping to increase our capacity to serve even more families."
Habitat Grey Bruce also recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Town of Saugeen Shores and Wilson Developments to provide affordable and attainable housing in Port Elgin. The MOU provides a framework for a Public-Private partnership to collaboratively investigate and work towards an agreement to build 28 townhouse units on town-owned land south of Concession Road 10.
Fryer added that they are continuing work on critical repairs to homes in the Saugeen First Nation.
"And at Chippewas Nawash Unceded First Nation, we're completing a home that was started last year. We're at the drywall stage there," Fryer explained. "It's a five bedroom home for a family, you know to get that house ready for move in sometime in May."
The local habitat chapter was formed in 1988, and since then, over 70 houses have been built throughout Grey and Bruce. Fryer said that along with more donations, skilled workers are also needed so Habitat can expand its efforts to build affordable housing.
"Expanding our team of dedicated and skilled workers. Of course, we also know the challenge right across home building in Ontario is a shortage of skilled workers, and we're facing that as well," Fryer continued. "And always, the costs of materials are rising, and we just need to raise more money."
The Habitat homeownership model helps working, lower-income families realize their dream of owning a home. Habitat homeowners spend no more than 25 per cent of their household income on monthly payments (mortgage principal and property taxes only), which provides stability and the chance to build a secure future for themselves and their children.