Canerector Foundation’s $10-million gift drives Habitat GTA’s most ambitious decade yet

By the Editorial Team · Monday, September 21, 2026

Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area received a record $10-million donation from the Canerector Foundation to fund the development of affordable homes and enhance construction capacity with a new build factory. This investment will accelerate Habitat GTA’s plan to deliver 2,000 affordable homes by 2035 and highlights the critical role of philanthropy alongside government efforts in tackling the regional housing crisis.

Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has received a $10-million donation from the Canerector Foundation, marking the largest gift ever given to a Habitat for Humanity affiliate in Canada. The contribution is designed to significantly expand Habitat GTA’s capacity to provide affordable homeownership solutions amid Canada’s ongoing housing affordability crisis.

According to Ene Underwood, CEO of Habitat for Humanity GTA, the donation is split into two equal parts. The first $5 million will fund the development of a permanent affordable homeownership community, aiming to create lasting impact for future generations. The remaining $5 million will be invested in strengthening the organization’s operational capacity, including the recent opening of a 16,000-square-foot build factory in central Toronto.

This newly built, purpose-designed facility will enable construction teams and volunteers to work indoors year-round, enhancing safety and efficiency. Habitat GTA anticipates this will reduce on-site framing time from three to four months down to three to four weeks, while also minimizing material waste. The facility is expected to play a key role in advancing the organization’s 2,000 homes strategic plan, which targets delivering 2,000 new affordable homes across the GTA by 2035. The plan represents an estimated investment of $1.2 billion to $1.5 billion in permanent housing infrastructure.

Susan Hawkins, president of the Canerector Foundation, highlighted the long-standing connection between her family and Habitat GTA, emphasizing their commitment to addressing the escalating housing crisis in the Toronto area. Hawkins noted that the foundation’s decision to support the build factory stemmed from a thorough cost-benefit analysis and a desire to enhance volunteer experiences by enabling construction activities year-round in a weather-protected environment.

Habitat GTA underscores that despite affordable housing often being viewed primarily as a governmental responsibility, philanthropic contributions are crucial to expanding housing solutions. Underwood stressed that donors play a vital role in bridging gaps alongside volunteers and government programs to ensure affordable homes reach working families, including educators, transit workers, and artists.

She also pointed to the timing of the gift, coinciding with what is expected to be the largest intergenerational transfer of wealth in Canadian history, largely amassed through real estate. Underwood encouraged philanthropists to consider how substantial donations can influence the long-term character and stability of communities.

Hawkins echoed this view, warning that Toronto’s housing challenge cannot be resolved by any single entity or donation alone. She called for sustained, collective efforts and cited the Canerector Foundation’s contribution as an invitation for others to engage in transformative action.

With this significant investment, Habitat GTA aims to accelerate its mission of affordable homeownership across the region and galvanize broader support to address the escalating housing crisis.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.