On April 4th, the Ontario Government reinforced its commitment to affordable housing by announcing an innovative approach to partnering with local community-based initiatives led by Habitat for Humanity. To create increased supply and meet the growing demand for safe and affordable homes in the province, the Ontario Government pledged a three-year, $5.8 Million investment in building scale and capacity through Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit builder whose mission is to provide safe, decent and affordable homes to hard-working, low-income families and individuals in need.
The Build Factory, which will be located in Burlington, will be used to construct and assemble homes year-round in a controlled environment. This facility will engage with local community partners including educational institutions, and other not for profit organizations. Components for safe, decent and affordable homes will be assembled and transported to as many as 120 Habitat for Humanity construction sites across Ontario, with the opportunity to also provide housing for Indigenous communities.
“The Build Factory is a groundbreaking achievement for our organization and for the province,” says Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin CEO John Gerrard. “This funding is a true investment into housing, as we are the only builder that keeps our homes affordable in perpetuity. The Build Factory will help us address the growing need for affordable housing to better serve families and individuals in need, not only in the Regions of Halton and Peel, but also across Ontario.”
For every dollar invested, Habitat for Humanity generates $4 in social return. This three-year investment by the province of Ontario will increase the supply of affordable housing long-term, expand community partnerships, increase engagement and create capacity and scale for the non-profit housing sector. It will also reduce construction waste, provide the opportunity for skills training, and lower build material costs while creating housing faster, safer, and more efficiently than ever before.
“I am thrilled that the Province of Ontario is investing $5.8 million in Habitat for Humanity’s Build Factory,” said Eleanor McMahon, MPP for Burlington. “Perhaps what I am more proud of though, is the lives it will change, and the futures it will shape. I have been proud to work on this initiative in partnership with local advocates and community leaders for the past number of years. The Build Factory will bring jobs to Burlington, hope to those who are in need of affordable housing options, contribute to our local economy and increase the supply of housing for low-income families in Ontario.”
Habitat for Humanity is proud to be part of a sustainable non-profit housing development system which partners with local organizations to address the growing need of affordable places to live in the province. Habitat’s innovative Build Factory will mobilize provincial, regional and municipal partner organizations in helping to meet Ontario’s housing needs.
“This investment from the Ontario Government will allow Habitat for Humanity to bring home ownership into reach for even more families and increase the overall supply of housing in the province,” says The Hon. Peter Milczyn, Minister of Housing. “We know when people have safe, affordable and suitable homes they can thrive in their communities and have more opportunities available to them.”
The Build Factory will give Habitat the opportunity to partner with other Habitat affiliates, and not-for-profit home builders to increase production across the province. Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin applauds the bold steps taken by the province of Ontario towards funding this unique initiative, providing us with a hand-up towards becoming a sustainable solution to the growing need for affordable housing.
Additional Quotes
“Partnerships empower us to do together what we cannot do alone. Habitat has a strong and distinguished record of producing practical long-term solutions to housing that is affordable. The Build Factory will go a long way in creating this province wide housing. Congratulations!”
-Ted McMeekin MPP Ancaster Dundas Flamborough Westdale
“Congratulations to Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga and the Ontario government on their innovative partnership to establish a Build Factory in Burlington. We are pleased to see the Ontario government investing in affordable homeownership in order to increase the supply of affordable housing in the province for working, lower-income families.”
– Mark Rodgers, President and CEO, Habitat for Humanity Canada.
“Habitat for Humanity is pleased that the Ontario government recognizes the value that can be provided by scaling up the number of homeownership opportunities for working, lower income families. The investment in a build factory with the Habitat for Humanity Halton Mississauga affiliate is an encouraging step in this direction.”
– Meaghan Macdonald and Sean Ferris, Co-chairs of Habitat for Humanity’s Ontario Caucus
“Habitat for Humanity Kingston Limestone Region is thrilled by this investment into housing, an issue that affects us all. We, among the other Ontario affiliates, are excited to learn details about how The Build Factory will assist our efforts to build safe and affordable housing by reducing build costs and construction waste while allowing us to more efficiently leverage our volunteer teams.”
– Susan Zambonin, CEO Habitat Kingston Limestone Region
“Habitat for Humanity Durham is so pleased to learn that the Ontario Government has heard loud and clear that Housing is an issue. Supporting a build factory will allow many affiliates to build more quickly and at economies of scale. Congratulations to our colleagues in the Halton-Mississauga affiliate and a huge thank you to the Ontario Government for a very wise investment.”
– Mary Bone, CEO Habitat for Humanity Durham
Updated: July 2, 2021