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Family takes possession of Habitat `soy house' By LISA TALLYN Staff Writer The Nicolas family of Halton Hills-- Emil, Tess and daughter Margo-- received the keys to their new soy house on Peel St. in Acton Sunday afternoon from Habitat for Humanity Halton. "The Nicolas family are role models of hard-working people for whom the housing market needs to be responsive," said Anne Swarbrick, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Halton. "Habitat for Humanity Halton helps families to purchase safe, simple, affordable homes." The organization works to help extend home ownership opportunities to people, keeping housing costs within 30 per cent of their income. The family's contributions, in addition to their mortgage payments over a period of up to 35 years, includes 500 hours of sweat equity to help build it. "Our daughter is only 10 years old and still enjoys playing," said Emil Nicolas. "Her friends used to invite her to play in their backyard. Now she will be able to invite her friends to come over to play in our backyard. The house is perfect for us three." 3 Independent & Free Press, Tuesday, March 30, 2010 Peel Street home built with soybean materials The Nicolas family of Halton Hills-- Emil, Tess and daughter Margo-- became the proud owners of a new home Sunday courtesy of Habitat for Humanity Halton. The home is uniquely green as some of the materials used in its construction included soy products grown by members of the Soybean Grower's Association. Photo by Donavon Gaudette The home the Nicolas family is purchasing is uniquely green. Its building materials include soy products grown by members of the Ontario Soybean Grower's Association. It was built by Quality Engineered Homes at their factory in Kenilworth. The house was originally on display at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair to demonstrate how environmentally sustainable soybean products can be used in home construction. Building products used in the home include no-VOC paints and varnishes, bathroom fixtures, adhesives and insulation that use soy in place of petroleum oils. The main components of the house were pre-fabricated by Quality Engineered Homes at their factory, display at the Royal Winter Fair last November, then transported to the Acton property, with subsequent work completed with the assistance of Habitat Halton volunteers, including the Nicolas family. Like all Habitat Homes, it meets Energy Star standards. Recognizing that 8.5 per cent of Halton residents live below the poverty line, Habitat Halton's mission is to mobilize volunteers and community partners in building affordable housing and promoting home ownership as a means to breaking the cycle of poverty. Habitat has in the past few years built other homes in Acton and Georgetown. % purchase financing for 48 months on our most popular models 905-877-2296 WEBSITE at www.georgetowntoyota.com ¥ Take a tour through our virtual showroom at realtoyota.ca ¥Limited time offer. Hurry in GEORGETOWN TOYOTA 15 MOUNTAINVIEW RD. N., GEORGETOWN