An Ontario-based engineering firm is turning heads with a new initiative designed to support employees in one of the most challenging aspects of homeownership: making a down payment. C.F. Crozier & Associates, a multidisciplinary consulting engineering firm with offices in Collingwood, Toronto, Milton, and Bradford, has launched a First-Time Home Buyers’ Assistance Program. The program provides up to $20,000 per employee to help fund the down payment on their first home, addressing a major hurdle for prospective buyers amid surging property prices.
The program is intended to alleviate the financial burden faced by first-time buyers, where the average down payment in Ontario can reach approximately $140,000 due to sky-high real estate prices. With over 200 employees, the potential total investment in its workforce could exceed $4 million if all eligible staff take advantage of the benefit.
The initiative is part of Crozier’s broader strategy to attract and retain top talent in a highly competitive industry. The firm, known for its role in private sector land development projects, emphasizes that helping employees achieve personal milestones like homeownership is crucial to fostering long-term loyalty and job satisfaction. Nick Mocan, President of Crozier, noted that the company has seen firsthand how tough bidding wars and rising costs are making homeownership increasingly difficult, even for well-compensated professionals.
“We strongly believe that our employees’ personal growth is as important as their career growth,” he said.
As if that was not a enough to the housing support program, Crozier has several other employee development initiatives, including scholarships and mentorship programs, to support both professional and personal growth. By investing in its employees’ futures in such a tangible way, the firm not only boosts morale but also enhances its reputation as an employer of choice in Ontario’s real estate and engineering sectors.
Crozier’s innovative approach to employee benefits could set a precedent for other companies in industries struggling to retain talent, particularly as living costs continue to rise across Canada. Similar programs could become an increasingly attractive option for firms seeking to stand out in a competitive job market.
For those interested, Crozier is currently hiring across all four of its offices for various positions, from project managers to CAD designers and engineers, giving potential candidates the opportunity to benefit from this groundbreaking housing support program.
