Whatever may be the case throughout the rest of Canada or across the border, in Rainy River district at least, the building and renovation market is thriving.
According to local contractors, there is at least as much work out there as last year—and perhaps more.
“This year I’m finding it [contracts] quite a bit higher than it was last year,” said Darrell DeGagne of D&A Construction here. “Fort Frances is a prosperous town and people are investing in their homes.”
DeGagne suggested much of the market is being driven by ever-increasing heating costs, which has caused people to invest in better insulation and more efficient heating systems.
“We’re doing a lot of work in new windows, new doors, and styrofoam insulation,” he remarked.
In fact, DeGagne is doing so much work in those areas, he’s had to hire extra people this year. “Right now, we’re doing two houses on the same street—side by side,” he noted.
Another factor is the upgrading of cottages in the area. More and more people either are winterizing their vacation homes for their own retirement or in preparation for sale.
And the market is hot, said DeGagne. “Americans are paying top dollar for vacation properties on Rainy Lake,” he added.
Wayne Kaun of Ed Kaun and Sons finds the same thing is happening. Unlike DeGagne, who does most of his work in the residential sector, Kaun’s business is mostly industrial and commercial.
Nonetheless, he also sees a bullish trend over the next year or so.
“I’m seeing a lot of cabin work,” said Kaun. “Americans are building homes over here and cabins are becoming increasingly valuable real estate.”
And he’s found things quite busy in the commercial and industrial sectors, which make up the bulk of his business.
Besides the extensive renovation he did for the Fort Frances Times last summer, he’s currently working on the local Sears expansion project at Share Bears—and is hoping to bid on the Tim Horton’s franchise should one materialize here.
It’s not just the bigger contractors who are reaping the benefits of the local mini-boom. Small, independent ones also are finding a niche in the market.
Richard Perron, of Perron Construction here, says people indeed are upgrading their properties and he’s found enough work to keep him busy.
“Business is good,” said Perron. “People are still spending money, which is good.”
Perron currently is rebuilding a deck and renovating a living room as well as installing new windows, and noted higher heating costs also have positively affected his business.
He thinks be busy throughout the summer—providing the weather co-operates.
“There’s a lot of work going on now and it looks like it’s going to be good this year, if there are no hailstorms or floods.”
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
