Centennial Homes to build four townhomes in Thorold

For Domenic DiLalla, it was an opportunity to give back to the community by doing what his Niagara-on-the-Lake business has done for more than three decades — build homes.

DiLalla, founder and president of Centennial Homes, committed his construction company to build four new townhomes in Thorold for Habitat for Humanity Niagara.

“As a locally owned, family business, it brings both myself and my staff great joy to be able to give back to the community that has helped us grow,” DiLalla said at a ground-breaking ceremony to kick off the build.

“Together, we are not just building houses,” he said. “We are building hope, stability, and brighter futures for our community.”

Habitat for Humanity Niagara CEO Mark Carl said the group had never received such a gift in its history.

“This is a significant contribution to Habitat Niagara and the community as a whole, because this generous gift allows Habitat Niagara to build more affordable housing to help Niagara families,” said Carl.

“By building these four townhomes, Centennial Homes and their team of sub trades will make a positive impact on the lives of local families who will soon call these homes their own,” he added.

DiLalla, meanwhile, said he and his staff at Centennial — named as the Niagara Home Builders Association’s Company of the Year in 2023 — are looking forward to seeing the results of the partnership with Habitat. 

He said the company’s collaboration with the non-profit organization is part of its commitment to “making a meaningful impact” and it’s excited for “the positive transformations” the homes they’re building in Thorold will bring to the families that move in and the community.

Habitat for Humanity Niagara does not give away homes for free. Qualified families selected for Habitat’s homeownership program partner with the agency by completing 500 volunteer hours and paying an affordable mortgage.

The mortgage payments are deposited into a “fund for humanity,” allowing Habitat Niagara the opportunity to build more homes and serve more families in the Niagara region.