Building Community: St. Mary CSS Students team up with Habitat for Humanity on affordable townhouse project in Baltimore
Mar. 20, 2025
Habitat for Humanity Northumberland is building its largest single development project to-date in Baltimore, Ontario – just a few minutes north of Cobourg.
It’s a seven unit affordable townhouse building off of County Road 45.
Students in the Construction Technology classes at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School are rolling up their sleeves to help out with the project.
“It’s a great learning experience for a lot of the people who have not done this stuff before. I’ve done a lot of this and I can help others learn what they’re doing and show them what it’s like to work in the skilled trades,” said Stuart Wilson, Grade 12 student.
“I’m meeting a lot of new people and I’m learning how to work with others I haven’t worked with before and learning how to do things that others haven’t done before,” added Shaid Gallant, Grade 11 student.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to meet some of the Catholic graduate expectations in our curriculum with students working in our community and partner with skilled trade folks in our community,” said Joel Kightley, Construction Technology Teacher.
On Mar. 18, 2025, students were installing flooring and cabinets in the units.
It’s a six week partnership between St. Mary CSS and Habitat for Humanity.
“When Habitat for Humanity approached St. Mary CSS with this partnership opportunity we jumped at the chance to participate,” said Jill Barker, Principal. “Not only does the project allow us to build our student’s exposure to the skilled trades, but it also allows us to allow our students to truly live the Catholic graduate expectations. Our students have the opportunity to support and serve their community. ”
Students are on-site once a week, all day.
The hope is to extend the program into the spring to help work on landscaping at the housing site as well as on the outside of the building.
“We are very proud of our students and the work that they have been able to do through the Habitat Northumberland project,” added Barker. “Our students and their teacher, Mr. Kightley, are representing St Mary CSS in not only skilled trade professionalism but also by embodying the true spirit of Catholic education.”