How two OMERS employers helped house 50 families in need
June 9, 2025
“As every parent knows, you will do anything for your child… We love our new community, our new home, and the incredibly friendly people here, but the best part is seeing our daughter in her new home…Seeing [her] so happy brings us a joy that is incomparable. As parents, it fills us with a pride we never imagined.”
This quote from Ruel about his daughter Isabella and the new home they share with mom Christine demonstrates the difference that Durham Region Non-Profit Housing Corporation (DRNPHC), the City of Oshawa (both OMERS employers) and Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area (Habitat GTA) have made to families like theirs, in need of affordable housing.
How a concept became a home (well, 50)
Two years ago, the Government of Canada and Habitat for Humanity Canada announced a $25 million investment into building 500 new affordable homes across Canada over the next three years, through the Government of Canada’s Affordable Housing Fund. Recognizing the need for both affordable rental and affordable ownership homes in Oshawa, Habitat GTA partnered with DRNPHC to make the most of this opportunity for local families. The City of Oshawa then repurposed surplus land that it owned, making it available to Habitat GTA for redevelopment into affordable home ownership.
What came about was four blocks of stacked townhomes; 24 units for affordable rental and 26 units for affordable home ownership, built through a partnership of professional tradespeople and volunteer efforts. Not only are several of the units fully accessible, but the high-quality design that resulted from this partnership is an important part of revitalizing the area.
This past fall, the first families began to move into these new spaces; families like Ruel’s, and families like Joe’s. “This has truly been a dream come true,” he says. “Our new home means that I can live independently and comfortably and support my daughter. The peace of mind and security we now feel is beyond words. I want to express my deepest thanks to all the dedicated individuals who worked tirelessly to make this happen. Your kindness and hard work have changed our lives in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Thank you, Durham Region Non-Profit Housing Corporation, and everyone else who played a part in this incredible journey.”