By Sarah Rae

Habitat for Humanity getting construction back on schedule

May 12, 2016 | 2:47 PM

The Habitat for Humanity duplex being built in North Battleford is catching up on construction now that the cold weather has mostly faded.

Volunteer Marilyn Richardson said they’re a bit behind schedule after winter and because of some work being done in the area, but they’re hoping to get back on track.

“We can’t get our volunteers in en masse until the electric work and plumbing is completed but that’s coming along, so we’re not desperately behind but would like to be further ahead,” she said.

The outside of the building is mostly finished, and now Richardson said they’re looking for a local business or individual to sponsor a fence for the property. She said finding a sponsor to get the fence started would be a great way to get some volunteers working since they can’t do a lot inside the building while electrical work is happening.

She said they’re always looking for volunteers and emphasized volunteering is a great way to get experience, especially for high school students who might be looking to work in the trades or need volunteer hours. She said the project will also improve the community.

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“We get in our inner city more buildings that contain people who are going to be good citizens, who are investing in the community and fewer people moving in transiency means a safer community,” she said.

Richardson credits the North Battleford Home Hardware with much of the progress they’ve achieved so far. She said they’ve done a “tremendous job” providing volunteer hours and a line of credit to buy materials.

“A lot of the work and most of the expertise at this point has been handled through this company so we’re really happy to have their sponsorship,” she said.

Home Hardware manager Cameron Gartner said the store provided more than 746 volunteer hours to the project so far in addition to donations. He said the sponsorship is a way for them to “give back to a community that has given so much to us.”

Home Hardware officially opened their expanded store Thursday, May 12, after beginning construction in 2014. They greeted an early-morning rush of shoppers after their version of a ribbon cutting ceremony using a chain.

Gartner said it’s a great opportunity to show that they’re growing, and it’s a real sign of progress for the community.

“There’s a lot of people here, lots of old faces, lots of new faces. It’s great to see this kind of excitement and buzz in the store,” he said.  

Sarah.rae@jpbg.ca

@sarahjeanrae