By Duane Hicks
As work on the Edgewood townhomes continues, interest in the new development remains high.
Three of the first five have been spoken for, Len Smart of Syncor Contracting Inc. said during a tour of the easternmost unit last Thursday.
“I’ve actually got about 27 people that have contacted me over this, and I know people want to get in and take a look,” he noted.
“A lot of people have trouble buying from a drawing,” Smart conceded. “That’s why I’d like to take this unit and finish it.
“Then people will know what their getting,” he reasoned.
With construction at New Gold’s Rainy River project north of Barwick in full swing, and production anticipated to begin by mid-2017, Syncor is bullish on the future of Fort Frances.
Smart said some local residents already are looking at selling their homes and downsizing—and the townhomes will suit those people’s needs perfectly.
He joked that any Americans unhappy with the outcome of the recent presidential election also might consider moving to Edgewood.
“It wouldn’t be bad to be able to live on this side and look at all the problems on the other side,” Smart chuckled.
While construction of the townhomes began in the summer, progress has increased by leaps and bounds over the past few months, with the aim to be ready for late-spring occupancy.
Each 1,250 sq. ft. townhome features a large, single attached garage and an asphalt driveway off Nelson Street.
Inside, the main floor includes a kitchen with pantry, full bathroom, dining room, living room, and second bedroom with a walk-in closet.
The living room and bedroom each feature sizeable windows looking out onto Front Street and the river.
The units at either end of the complex also will have windows on their respective east- and west-facing walls.
The living room also has a door leading out to a covered rear deck with a view of the river, which then has stairs leading down to a patio for when you want to get some sun and grill some steaks.
“You can’t beat the view,” said Smart, noting Syncor owner Don DeMichele previously told him that if this same development was in Thunder Bay looking over a river, the units would be going for $100,000 more.
The second floor includes a master bedroom with a view of Nelson Street, master bathroom, and walk-in closet.
The basement includes a storage area, utility/laundry room, and plenty of space for whatever you’d like—workshop, rec room, or an upgrading to a finished basement with another bedroom and bathroom.
“It’s good living space,” said Smart, citing the high ceilings and the fact the basement has medium-sized windows also facing the riverfront, with a beautiful view out and a means for sunlight to come in.
“You won’t feel as if you’re in a basement,” he noted.
He also said all of the walls are vapour-barriered, insulated, and dry-walled.
Being situated side by side, some people used to living in a detached house might wonder about the noise levels living so close to their neighbour.
But Smart said there’s eight inches of insulation on either side of the inner walls, deadening any sound.
“Whatever’s happening over there, you won’t hear it,” he remarked.
The townhomes are heated by natural gas, and can be fitted with a gas fireplace.
They also have optional upgrades for an extra cost, such as a finished basement (bedroom, bathroom, and rec room), air conditioning, on-demand hot water, hardwood flooring, and granite counters.
Smart spoke to the quality of the craftsmanship put into Edgewood.
“I’ve been around this stuff all of my life,” he noted. “You see some homes, when they’re finished, they look nice but they’re cheap.
“To Don’s credit, he doesn’t do that,” Smart stressed. “That’s why he’s got a good name in Thunder Bay.
“He’s a perfectionist.”∏
Smart said the walls of the townhomes were built in a shop at Kakabeka Falls-based Kam Ridge Manufacturing.
“It all came up here on a truck in big pieces,” he noted.
“The thing is all built on a jib,” he added. “It wasn’t stick-built in place. All the walls were set into place.
“There’s more quality control when you do it like that.
Standing in the garage, Smart said, “You won’t see concrete floors with a finish any better than the finish on these.”
“Part of Syncor’s business is concrete and they do a good job,” he added.
The townhomes also have a Tarion new home warranty.
Looking ahead to next spring, Syncor plans to build a second five-unit townhome complex immediately to the west of the current one.
Smart hinted the contractor also has other irons in the fire, and has been looking at other properties and speaking with other groups about opportunities.
For more information, contact Smart at 1-807-624-8084 or via e-mail at lsmart@syncorcontracting.ca
You also can call DeMichele at 1-807-629-9655.
