A groundbreaking in Fraserville marked the start of a trailblazing affordable housing project — the first 3D-printed Habitat for Humanity home in the region.
Community members, local officials, and supporters gathered Tuesday to celebrate the launch of the build, which is being made possible through a unique combination of legacy donations, innovative technology, and partnership.
The new home will belong to Kayla, James, and their three children — a local family who will soon move into what they’re calling their forever home.
“In today’s world, owning a home feels more and more out of reach for families like ours,” said Kayla during the ceremony. “But thanks to Habitat PKR – and the community of Fraserville – we’ve been given the opportunity to build a better future for ourselves and our children, in what will be our forever home.”
The project is led by Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat PKR), in collaboration with local construction tech firm Cormor Inc. It’s one of the first Habitat builds in Canada to use large-scale 3D concrete printing, a method that cuts down on construction time, reduces waste, and lowers costs.
“This 3D printed home is a model of what’s possible when we think differently, work together, and lead with heart,” said Habitat PKR Board Chair Hope Lee. “This project has faced the same challenges many affordable housing builds do – zoning hurdles, red-tape challenges, and rising construction costs – but the vision has never wavered: that everyone deserves a safe, decent place to call home.”
The land for the home was donated by Don and Pat Wood, while a $100,000 legacy gift came from the former Bailieboro-Springville United Church after its 2022 restructuring.
“This build is about creating a lasting legacy and giving our congregation the chance to extend our faith beyond our place of worship and into the local community,” said congregation member Robin Maughan.
Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark and Otonabee-South Monaghan Mayor Joe Taylor attended the groundbreaking and praised the project’s forward-thinking approach to tackling Ontario’s housing shortage.
Cormor Inc. CEO Dwight Corcoran called the build a “proof-of-concept” that could be replicated across the province. “This milestone demonstrates the transformative power of additive construction in building sustainable, affordable homes across Ontario and beyond,” he said.
Construction on the four-bedroom home is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
