Recognizing leadership that builds stronger communities
At our 2026 Leadership and AGM Meeting in Toronto, we celebrated the achievements of a few of the many Habitat organizations, staff and volunteers leading, innovating and creating new pathways to homeownership for families.
Congratulations to the winners!
The Terry Petkau Legacy Awards honour the legacy of the late Terry Petkau, also known as the heart of Habitat. Terry was a generous and inclusive leader who inspired and mentored others, and whose contributions continue to expand safe and affordable housing in Canada and around the world. These awards are the highest honours given to members of Habitat for Humanity in Canada.
The winner of this year’s Terry Petkau Legacy Award – Outstanding Volunteer is Carl Ryan, with Habitat for Humanity Niagara.
A dedicated volunteer since 2004, Carl has contributed more than two decades of service, helping guide Habitat Niagara as Vice Chair and Chair of the Board
through growth and rising community need, while expanding build capacity from one home a year to multiple homes annually.
Drawing on his construction expertise, Carl has united partners, volunteers, and community members to support the building of 66 homes for local families and advance Habitat Niagara’s largest project to date, a nine-unit build in Welland, Ont. Beyond the build site, he has strengthened governance, championed Habitat ReStore growth, and kept families at the centre of every decision, leaving a lasting impact on the organization and the communities they serve.
The winner of this year’s Terry Petkau Legacy Award – Outstanding Staff is Deb Wilson, Director of Construction, Habitat for Humanity Northumberland.
Deb’s journey with Habitat began more than 20 years ago with Habitat for Humanity Windsor-Essex, where the 2005 Jimmy Carter Work Project sparked her passion for building homes and communities. Since joining Habitat Northumberland in 2008, Deb has led the construction of over 60 affordable homes and, as one of a few female Directors of Construction within Habitat organizations in Canada, has set a strong example of leadership, quality and inclusion.
A forward-thinking builder, Deb has driven innovation through cost-saving relocations, renovations, and Canada’s largest Habitat net zero townhome build. Through local and global collaboration, she has amplified impact while leading with respect, compassion and integrity —supporting volunteers, empowering families and transforming lives.
The One Habitat Award is the integration of all we do – communications, operations, and governance – with the goal of serving more families in our country and around the world. The winners of the One Habitat award embody the spirit of one world, one Habitat.
Habitat for Humanity Northumberland is deeply committed to Habitat’s vision of a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to call home. Since its founding in 1998, the organization has consistently looked beyond its local community — from delivering the then-largest Habitat project in North America to leading Canada’s largest multi-unit net-zero Habitat build in 2025.
A leader in collaboration, Habitat Northumberland actively shares tools, resources, and expertise with peer Habitat organizations, contributing to national initiatives that strengthen programs, governance, and long-term planning nationwide. This commitment reflects a strong belief that advancing Habitat’s mission is a shared responsibility.
The organization has also shown sustained leadership in Indigenous housing partnerships, including its long-standing relationship with Alderville First Nation and recent work in Eabametoong First Nation, where Habitat staff and volunteers helped address critical home repairs. Through both local action and national engagement, Habitat Northumberland continues to demonstrate the power of working as One Habitat.
