Thanks to Habitat for Humanity Brampton, Metrus Development Inc., the City of Brampton and the generosity of Habitat for Humanity sponsors, two Brampton families will soon become the proud owners of a 19th century heritage home. Named the "George Elliott House" after its original owner who built the Ontario gothic style farmhouse in the 1860's, the structure was moved to a new address Monday where it will be refurbished and rehabilitated into a semi-detached home.

Volunteers, VIPs and community leaders were on-hand to officially launch the "Elliott House Heritage Build." Toronto Argo's Head Coach Mike 'Pinball Clemons' and four Argonaut players lent their support and 'muscle' to the Habitat team as they launched the 360-ton house on its slow journey .5 kilometers north to its new location.Several descendants of George Elliott joined the approximately two hundred volunteers, sponsors and community well-wishers on hand for the occasion.

"The response to the Elliott House Heritage Build project has been overwhelming," said Thomas Fischer, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Brampton. "With the community's help, Habitat has enabled two families to experience homeownership for the first time while saving a part of our local heritage. Turning this historic house into an affordable home is a win-win for everyone."

Renovation plans call for the construction of a new addition and the preservation of the heritage building's historical features.

Brampton is the first Habitat for Humanity affiliate in North America to refurbish a heritage house. Typically the group uses its volunteers and corporate donations to build affordable homes from the ground-up. The major donation of the house and land by Metrus Development Inc., together with assistance and support from the City of Brampton, created the ground-breaking 3-way partnership model which the group hopes other municipalities will follow.

Home Builder level sponsors The Home Depot Canada and Lafarge Canada have each sponsored one of the two home units.  Their generous support will make it possible to complete the renovations at the building's new location. Circle of Hope level sponsors include Danco House Raising & Moving, the City of Brampton and Gates of Countryside.

For both Brampton working families, the chance for homeownership has been the opportunity of a lifetime.A minimum of 500 "sweat equity" hours are required as part of the commitment to becoming a Habitat partner family.

The Elliott House Heritage Build Launch on July 23 marks the culmination of months of preparation by Habitat for Humanity Brampton volunteers and extraordinary contributions of the City & private sector. The refurbishment and construction phase is expected to take three months before the families are able to move in.

VIPs attending the official "Elliott House Heritage Build" Launch celebration July 23 included:

• Mike "Pinball" Clemons, Head Coach, Toronto Argonauts along with Argo's Defensive End Jonathon Brown (#97), Offensive Guard Taylor Robertson (#65), Offensive Guard Brian Ramsay (#57) and Offensive Tackle Glenn January (#54)
• Paul Palleschi, Acting Mayor, City of Brampton
• Honourable Gurbax Malhi, MP, Bramalea-Gore-Malton
• Dr. Ruby Dhalla, MP, Brampton – Springdale
• Linda Jeffrey, MPP, Brampton Centre
• Bob Hooshley, Vice President, Metrus Development Inc.
• Mike Pedinelli, Store Manager, Brampton East, The Home Depot Canada
• Mark Rivett, President and General Manager, Lafarge Canada
• David Hughes, President, Habitat for Humanity Canada
• Dan Myepte, President, Danco House Raising & Moving
• Linda Ford, President, Brampton Board of Trade
• Thomas Fischer, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Brampton