Modular homes could be a part of Sudbury’s future with the Our House/Notre Maison Coalition of private and public sector partners, led by Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North (OGN) and Soublière Constructors. The coalition recently travelled to meet the team at the Metaligna Modular Home factory in Arnprior.
“We are investigating options that will allow us to move beyond the traditional Habitat model of building one or two homes at a time, toward a model that builds as many homes as we can in as short a timeframe as possible,” says Habitat OGN CEO Kimberley Woodcock. “This will help us address the needs of marginalized groups while also being part of the solution to the affordable housing crisis overall.”
Michael Cullen, Habitat for Humanity’s director of community partnerships, has been working with Soublière Constructors President Karsh Singh over the past several months to build the coalition that now includes experts from construction, architecture, finance, economic development, all levels of government, not-for-profits from various sectors, and representatives from the many agencies and groups that could be the ultimate beneficiaries of Habitat for Humanity homes.
“We’ve been given a mandate to innovate, starting in the City of Greater Sudbury. This is an exciting time, and the energy in the room was crackling with ideas and possibilities,” said Cullen.
The Metaligna Modular facility in Arnprior specializes in multi-storey commercial and residential
building systems, park models, and Health-Canada-approved rapid deployment emergency care and clinics, and will soon feature accessory dwelling units including coach homes, laneway homes, and modular homes.
As per a release from the coalition, the questions before the group are:
- How might we build more quickly and efficiently?
- Could we, in partnership with a company like Metaligna develop a local space to assemble the homes, and provide skills training, apprenticeship, and employment opportunities?
- How do we involve local subcontractors?
- How many homes are possible with the right land in the right location?
“We are still putting the elements in place, but the goal is to implement a business model that is sustainable for years to come,” said Cullen.
Organizations looking to become involved may contact Cullen directly at [email protected] or 705-929-9892.
