Affordable Housing Initiative Advances with Habitat for Humanity Partnership

Date: October 25, 2023

A new affordable housing development in Picton is moving ahead after municipal council formally approved the sale of land to Habitat for Humanity during its meeting on Tuesday, October 25.

The approved transaction includes a parcel on Bowery Street and a portion of Delhi Park, which will be transferred to Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward–Hastings. The land was sold for $31,362, an amount that reflects the cost of the environmental assessment completed by the municipality to ensure the site is suitable for residential construction.

Hazzem Koudsi, Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward–Hastings, expressed appreciation for the municipality’s support, noting that the project will create long-term housing opportunities for local residents. He added that public consultation will help determine the specific type of housing and amenities developed on the Bowery Street site.

Council had previously declared the land surplus in May, clearing the way for its use in the housing project.

Habitat for Humanity operates through a model where volunteers and future homeowners work together, with families contributing “sweat equity” during construction. Once completed, homeowners repay the cost through a long-term, interest-free mortgage, making homeownership more accessible.

The application and construction process can take time, with approvals often requiring several months and the build process extending two years or longer, depending on funding and scheduling.

Recent Habitat builds have taken place in Belleville, Trenton, and Tyendinaga. The most recent Habitat project within Prince Edward County was completed in 2014.

All previous Habitat for Humanity homes in the county have been constructed in Picton, including locations on West Mary Street, Barker Street, and York Street.