Habitat for Humanity officially opens Sudbury South End location

Hamilton Spectator

06-05-2025

Do you want resale and not retail? Want to avoid any taxes? Want to support a great cause? The Habitat for Humanity ReStore can help you answer 'yes' to all these questions.
'It is within walking distance for many and there is transit that goes right by,' Coun. Deb McIntosh said in support of the location. She also talked about the partnership with the South End Community Action Network and the establishment of community gardens at the Armstrong Street location.
The contents of the store are displayed in a clean, bright space. While it has been open for months, store staff have been waiting in anticipation for the symbolic official ribbon cutting. McIntosh, representing her city colleagues and the mayor of Greater Sudbury, was delighted to wield the scissors on Friday.
'The official ceremony is over,' said ReStore manager Richard Barlow. 'Yes, we have been open for four months but we needed to wait until now to get it all ready and operating smoothly.
'It is also hard to get everyone in the same place on the same day, and here we are,' Barlow said, who attributes that readiness to the hard work of volunteers and staff.
Kimberley Woodcock, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Ontario Gateway North, talked about the organization in this part of Ontario. 'We go from Midland all the way up to Timmins,' Woodcock said. 'We recognize the north as very important and also having unique character and needs.
'We found a great location here. We are thrilled with the building. Richard brings the kind of energy and engagement we were looking for.'
Woodcock revealed some more good news. 'We are looking forward to building.' It sounds like Habitat for Humanity will construct more homes for families here. It won't be this summer, though. 'First, there is land acquisition, then planning. It is a two-year cycle,' she said.
With the help of volunteers, donors and Habitat homeowners, local Habitat outlets in every province and territory across Canada help build and rehabilitate decent and affordable homes, from single-family houses to multi-unit developments.
Meghan Taylor, senior director of operations, who is located in Bracebridge, has been very involved in the Sudbury ReStore.
'We have about 55 or 60 people here today at the celebration,' Taylor said. 'We love our volunteers. Sometimes we recruit and other times people just show up and step up. They come in weekly and others daily.
'A lot come out for the social connection. It is a fun place to be a volunteer. We have eight staff (in Sudbury.) Some are part-time. This is a lovely building in such a great location.'
Habitat for Humanity's ReStore welcomes you Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2167 Armstrong St.
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