Supporters of the Habitat for Humanity’s coming build in Arthur are looking for a helping hand from Wellington North council.
On Monday night Chris McIntosh, of Wellington North’s Habitat for Humanity, spoke to council about the project in Arthur.
McIntosh, along with other representatives, explained the committee members are all residents of Arthur.
He said they came to council for two reasons. The first was to provide an update of activities. The second was a request for help.
The Arthur build is slated to get underway this spring and summer. The group’s mandate is to partner with low-income working families assisting them in building simple, decent housing.
McIntosh said the Wellington North group is affiliated with Wellington County’s Habitat for Humanity and in turn the larger organization. “All the groups are not-for-profit, non-governmental, volunteer organizations,” he said.
The planning process for the Arthur build began in the fall of 2007.
Eight sites were reviewed, with the final choice being the purchase of property at 211 Isabella Street East in November.
With about 30 volunteers, the home on the property was removed completely in one day.
“It was like a barn raising – but in reverse,” McIntosh said.
Naturally, he said, all the demolition permits and measures were in place prior to that.
McIntosh said the fundraising committee has also been quite active. The steering committee has been equally active in approaching local businesses for donations and support.
McIntosh said, “The response has been overwhelming.”
He believes at this point, many of the building materials and supplies are being met through donations. “It’s our intention to commence our build in mid to late May, with a three-week blitz build in July.”
He provided council with a concept drawing of the home as well, noting there may be minor variations in accordance with Wellington North’s building department.
He asked council to consider waiving any applicable permit fees such as service hookup fees. McIntosh said council took a similar route with the Habitat for Humanity project in Mount Forest a few years ago.
He added the home is a replacement house, so development charges do not apply.
McIntosh invited all of council to participate in the July building blitz.
Broomhead asked if a family had been selected yet.
McIntosh said the selection committee works independently of the building committee.
Local people, understandably, are not involved in the process, he said, in order to keep it non-partisan.
“No one has been selected as yet,” he said.
Those chosen must provide 500 hours of sweat equity into the project, whether it be in the actual construction or assisting Habitat or the project in other ways.
Broomhead said they did a good job in Mount Forest.
McIntosh pointed out there is still a mortgage – “They are not given the property.” He recommended an official written request come to council.
He pointed out it is not simply a case of waiving the charges, because they would still need to appear on the township books in some manner.
“You’ve certainly got our support,” Broomhead said. He believes for the Mount Forest building, all fees were waived.
He appreciates the dedication of the community, and added, “We’ll certainly come to the plate on this project.”
