One Partner, Multiple Solutions, Lasting Community Value

To create affordable living opportunities in Peterborough, Ontario, Habitat for Humanity, Peterborough & Kawartha Region (Habitat for Humanity) built two affordable condominiums from 2022 - 2024.

The project, the first of its kind for Habitat for Humanity in Canada, completed Phase 1, a 41-unit condominium in 2022. The units consist of one, two and three-bedroom options, which were designed to be energy-efficient, easily accessible, and affordable, catering to families with diverse income levels and family size. In 2023, the organization built another 12-unit condominium (Phase 2), located across from the original building.

Cambium, involved in both phases of the project, was retained to simplify the development process with integrated services ranging from a geotechnical investigation, excess soils management and Tarion Field Review Consulting.

Excess Soils Management

As part of Phase 2, Cambium completed an excess soil characterization program in accordance with Ontario Regulation 406/19 to support the removal and beneficial reuse of excavated soil generated during site development. Through soil sampling, laboratory analysis, and regulatory review, Cambium confirmed the excess soil met applicable standards for off-site reuse, helping Habitat for Humanity manage surplus soil responsibly and maintain project timelines.

Tarion Field Review Consulting

In Ontario, developers constructing new condominiums are required to engage an independent Field Review Consultant (FRC) to ensure construction quality as per the Tarion Registrar Bulletin 19 (RB19). Cambium, as an FRC, possesses a comprehensive understanding of construction materials and techniques that helped Habitat for Humanity ensure construction was up to industry standards.

Beyond meeting the Tarion RB19 program requirements, Cambium's team provided additional services such as qualified material testing and inspections during construction, including concrete testing and sampling, asphalt compaction and sampling, and granular compaction.  The consultancy on the Tarion Field Review ultimately ensures Habitat for Humanity’s two condominiums comply with the Ontario Building Code (OBC) and manufacturer installation guidelines, as well as meet project specifications. 

In addition to the quality of work and communication, Cambium simplified both project phases by providing integrated services and a single point of contact across multiple service lines. Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region CEO, Susan Zambonin says, “Cambium’s support throughout the Leahy’s Lane Phase 1 and Phase 2 builds has been instrumental in helping us create safe, quality, and affordable homes for local families. Their expertise, commitment to excellence, and willingness to support our work have strengthened our ability to deliver homes that families can build their futures in. We are incredibly grateful for Cambium’s continued partnership and for the important role they play in helping us build strength, stability, and independence through affordable homeownership." 

Simplifying development through integrated services

This project demonstrates how integrated consulting services can help community-focused organizations deliver complex developments efficiently and with confidence. By combining geotechnical engineering, excess soils management, materials testing, and Tarion Field Review Consulting, Cambium supported Habitat for Humanity’s vision of expanding affordable homeownership opportunities while maintaining quality, regulatory compliance, and long-term value for homeowners.