Thunder Bay Real Estate Board Helps Build Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay’s First Net-Zero Home

11 REALTOR® volunteers spent the day at Habitat Thunder Bay’s newest project site on 908 Alexandra Street, where the organization is building its very first net-zero home in the city. Volunteers took on landscaping and kitchen cabinet building to help advance the build, which will soon provide a single mother and her two children with an affordable and sustainable place to call home.  “In Canada, affordable housing is a big challenge, so being able to help provide a family with a new home is really rewarding,” said Wes Case, REALTOR® and salesperson with Royal LePage Lannon Realty. “Giving back like this and showing support to the community we love is something we should all strive for as REALTORS®.”

Designed to produce as much energy as it consumes, the project showcases the organization’s growing commitment to sustainability, affordability, and long-term resilience. Built with recycled and high-efficiency materials, including exterior styrofoam, foundation wall, and attic insulation, the home minimizes heat loss and waste while improving energy performance. Energy-efficient systems such as an air-source heat pump water heater and a drain water heat recovery unit further reduce electricity use. A 5kW rooftop solar panel system feeds renewable energy back into the grid, helping the home reach net-zero status. High-performance triple-pane windows and doors also enhance comfort and lower heating and cooling costs. REALTORS®’ hands-on efforts during this REALTORS Care® Day helped move construction forward, bringing the family one step closer to their sustainable new home.

“We endeavor to build our homes to be sustainable, that way they save energy, which reduces costs for the family moving in,” said Todd Davis, Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay. “It gives them a safe, decent home, and gives them a sense of financial and personal independence and that’s what Habitat is about.”

Since 1994, Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay has built 30 homes and served 39 families, helping to break the cycle of poverty and create stability for local community members. Families who partner with Habitat contribute 500 hours of sweat equity toward the construction of their own home, other builds, or volunteer support in the Habitat ReStore or office. Through this model, Habitat provides a “hand up, not a handout,” ensuring homeowners are deeply invested in building their futures.

“Helping out here is very fulfilling. It’s a similar feeling to me to selling home to buyers, helping them find that new place to call home is such a good feeling, so it’s nice to do that for a family that deserves it,” said Nathan Hogan, a REALTOR® and salesperson with Century 21 Superior Realty.