March 27, 2025
Cambridge, ON – March 26, 2025 – Waterloo Region’s affordable housing crisis is set to receive a much-needed boost as Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region and Activa break ground on a new development in Cambridge. The project, located on Shantz Hill, will feature 24 stacked townhomes designed to provide affordable homeownership opportunities for working families.
The initiative comes at a critical time as rising rent costs and limited access to affordable financing continue to place homeownership out of reach for many families. Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region remains committed to bridging this gap by offering stable, long-term housing solutions.
“We understand the challenges families face when it comes to affordable housing,” said Philip Mills, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region. “We are proud to partner with working families here in Cambridge to offer them a ‘hand up,’ not a handout, and help them build strength, stability, and self-reliance through homeownership.” The development will prioritize sustainability and energy efficiency, with Activa ensuring the townhomes are ENERGY STAR® certified. These homes will be built to be 20% more energy-efficient than those meeting the minimum building code, incorporating features such as high-performance windows, enhanced insulation, and advanced heating and cooling systems. These upgrades will not only reduce environmental impact but also lower long-term costs for homeowners.
“A home provides not only the physical space but more importantly the emotional space where individuals and families find their solace and enjoyment,” says Tony Giovinazzo, CEO of Activa. “We are proud to partner with Habitat Waterloo Region to assist in bridging a gap for families who may face barriers to owning a home.”
The Shantz Hill project represents a significant step forward in Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region’s mission to support families in overcoming barriers to homeownership. By providing access to affordable housing, the organization aims to empower families to achieve greater financial stability and a brighter future. As construction begins, the development stands as a beacon of hope for families in need, reinforcing the belief that homeownership should be an attainable goal rather than an impossible dream.
About Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region
Founded in 1988, Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region is a charitable organization working toward a world where everyone has a decent place to live. In Waterloo Region, 1 in 4 households lacks a decent, affordable place to live making them at risk of falling into a cycle of poverty. Our model of affordable homeownership bridges a gap for lower-income, working families by providing them with the opportunity to purchase their own Habitat home.
About Activa
Activa is Waterloo Region’s largest and most active homebuilder, bringing life to communities through our home designs and neighbourhood planning. Activa proudly offers a unique customer experience journey for its homeowners to reduce the anxiety and stress that often comes with building a home and is committed to going above and beyond minimum building code practices through participation in programs like ENERGY STAR® and Net Zero Ready.
Media Contacts:
Jennifer Peacock
Marketing and Communications Manager, Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region
Email: jpeacock@habitatwr.ca
Jessica Flanagan
Marketing Manager, Activa
Email: marketing@activa.ca
