High school students help build affordable homes in Fergus with Habitat for Humanity

Young people are getting a rare hands-on opportunity in Fergus, Ont. CTV’s Heather Senoran explains how a charity is hoping to build a brighter future.

High school students from Guelph are learning what it takes to build affordable homes by teaming with Habitat for Humanity Guelph Wellington.

On Wednesday, Grade 11 students from a construction class at John F. Ross Highschool were at an active build site, where crews are doing work on what will soon be a 32-unit townhome community.

“I really like hands on work, and I think it’s what we’re doing. It’s a good cause,” said student Rowan Lamarre. “It’s really fun that you get to miss a whole day of school for this.”

It’s not all fun and games. Students will learn framing, plumbing, dry walling and painting.

“In Canada we are short of tradespeople and I’m trying to encourage a lot of students in my care and in classes to move into the trades,” said their teacher, Gethin Walters.

Walters is hoping the program helps inspire young minds.

“Get them exposed to new tools, machines, skills, etcetera, early on in life is definitely a life skill for them for the future,” he said.

Even if they don’t take up trades as a career, there are lessons that will resonate long after leaving the worksite.

“Having the basic skills on how to operate machines and learn how a house works, then you are saving yourself thousands of dollars in the future. If you know these particular skills,” Walters said.

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that works with families worldwide to provide affordable housing.

Habitat for Humanity’s goal is to build affordable homes to create a stable future for vulnerable families.

“It’s needed because we’re in the midst of a housing crisis in Ontario, in Canada. And what we’re trying to do is create generational wealth and security by allowing people in unstable rental situations a chance to afford their own home,” said Karyn Boscariol, director of communications and resource development for Habitat for Humanity Guelph Wellington.

The program in Guelph Wellington runs all week and is thanks to a $20,000 sponsorship from the Co-Operators.

“We’ve implemented a program where companies can actually sponsor a school, a skilled trades class, to come on site and experience an active field site,” said Boscariol.

The affordable townhomes on Hill Street are expected to be move-in-ready by the fall of 2025.