Peterborough County’s First Open Door Program Partnership with Habitat for Humanity Helps Build Affordable Homes in Norwood
Norwood, ON – Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark and CAO Sheridan Graham were proud to attend the groundbreaking celebration today at 22 Birch Street in Norwood, marking an important milestone in the County’s ongoing commitment to increasing affordable housing opportunities throughout the region. The three homes are being made possible through the support of Peterborough County’s Open Door Program in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region.
The Open Door Program was established to help accelerate the development of affordable housing across Peterborough County. Through financial incentives, including construction financing and the waiving of municipal fees for eligible non-profit housing developments, the program demonstrates County Council’s commitment to creating more affordable housing options and helping residents achieve homeownership.
As the first project supported through the Open Door Program, the Norwood development represents a significant step forward in addressing local housing needs and expanding affordable homeownership opportunities for families throughout the region.
In support of this partnership, County staff are also helping build brighter futures through a $600 donation to the project. The funds were raised during the County’s annual staff BBQ and were presented at the groundbreaking ceremony, providing staff with an opportunity to support an initiative that will create meaningful pathways to homeownership for local families.
This year, Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region will build three freehold homes in Norwood, creating new opportunities for three local families, including an intergenerational family, a single-parent family, and a young family with two children. Through Habitat’s affordable homeownership model, families gain access to no-down-payment homeownership opportunities and income-geared mortgages, helping them build long-term stability, security, and equity.
“We are incredibly grateful to Peterborough County for the Open Door Program which has paved the way to enabling these builds and to County staff for their generous support of this project,” said Natalie Raponi, Operations General Manager for Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region. “Community support plays an important role in helping families achieve strength, stability, and independence through affordable homeownership.”
The donation reflects the ongoing commitment of Peterborough County staff to supporting local organizations and initiatives that strengthen communities and create opportunities for residents to thrive.
“Peterborough County is proud to partner with Habitat on this first Open Door project in Norwood,” said Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark. “Projects like this create opportunities for families to achieve homeownership while strengthening the fabric of our rural communities.”
“Supporting our communities is at the heart of what we do,” said CAO, Sheridan Graham. “Our staff are proud to contribute to projects like this that make a meaningful difference for local families and help create stronger, more connected communities across Peterborough County. We look forward to having a staff team roll up our sleeves and help build these homes as well”.
The Norwood housing project will provide three families with a place to call home while contributing to broader efforts to increase the supply of affordable housing across Peterborough County. As housing affordability continues to be a priority for communities throughout the region, the County remains committed to supporting innovative partnerships and programs that help create attainable housing options for current and future residents.
Information about the County’s Open Door Program can be obtained by contacting Finance@ptbocounty.ca
For More Information, please contact:
Tracie Bertrand
General Manager, Tourism and Communications
communications@ptbocounty.ca
705-743-0380 ext. 2502
