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In February 2021, we launched our First-Time Home Buyers’ Assistance Program  – a new benefit that provides ������Ƶ employees with a gift of up to $20,000 to help with the purchase of their first home. One of our early recipients was Brendan Walton, P.Eng., a young and ambitious Project Manager from our Milton team, who’s been with us for over five years.

“I was in shock when I heard all the details, to be honest.” Brendan replayed. “What I received enabled us to purchase our home and avoid being outbid again.”

Brendan and his fiancée had been searching for a home in Guelph for over a year. “We’ve always wanted to live in Guelph. It isn’t far from the office – about 25 minutes, so it’s perfect for me. It’s nice to know I can work from home if I choose, but also important that I’m close enough to come in and collaborate with my team.”

The couple submitted offers on a few properties they had fallen in love with. When these offers were turned down, it became difficult to remain positive. Buying a home in Guelph seemed to be falling out of reach.

“We were starting to settle on the fact that we might have to move further west – a sacrifice we were willing to make.” Brendan explained. “We saw one house that ended up selling for $120,000 over-asking even though our home inspector noticed several major issues – it was nuts.”

But after months of viewings, home inspections, and unsuccessful bids, Brendan and his fiancée were finally able to purchase their first home with the help of our First-Time Home Buyers’ Assistance Program. They received their keys in late winter, moved to Guelph with their furry friends, and put the woes of real estate behind them.

Brendan Walton’s First-Time Home Buyers’ Assistance Program Story

The First-Time Home Buyers’ Assistance Program removes some barriers to homeownership, allowing individuals like Brendan and other fellow recipients, to make it a reality. Explaining what the support added to his investment, he said, “This is the difference between someone having enough money for a down payment and not – it’s a gamechanger.”

Brendan reflected on his positive experience with us and when asked what he enjoys most about his job, he replied, “The team. If you’ve ever played a team sport, you know you aren’t out there just for yourself. You’re part of something bigger, in the same way I’d block a shot for my goalie. There’s the sense of camaraderie and understanding that we’re only going to get better if we have a good group of people, and we’re always working towards a common goal. If you’re down, someone’s going to be there to pick you up. I’ve been lucky to work with some really good people.”

Brendan Walton’s First-Time Home Buyers’ Assistance Program Story