BarrCana Homes Inc.: Alberta's Economic Boom Means New Business for Barrhead

Recognizing the urgent need for affordable housing in communities throughout the province and the long wait times customers are now facing due to excessive demands on existing manufacturing facilities, John Bennett of Jodica Enterprise Inc., a veteran of the manufactured housing industry, saw a golden opportunity for a new company to enter the market.

Bennett will be joined by Albert Vanleeuwen, of Rose Country Developments Ltd. and R.C.M. Condo Inc. (already an established name in the site-built home construction business in Central Alberta) as well as a group of investors to take on this new venture.

BarrCana Homes Inc. was fortunate to locate an ideal property; situated on a major highway with easy access to their major target markets of: Grande Prairie, Fort McMurray and Central Alberta. The site near Highway 18, just east of Barrhead, already includes substantial industrial buildings, ensuring immediate construction. The main plant will encompass more than 150,000 square feet and will be completely retrofitted with state-of-the-art manufacturing technology, specialty carpentry and construction areas, warehouse space, administration and sales offices.

"Everything is moving very quickly. The company will be constructing ready-to-move homes while the production plant and assembly lines are completed. We'll have product ready to go in a short time" said John Bennett, President and CEO of BarrCana Homes Inc. "The Barrhead business community, county and town have been very cooperative in helping us get off to a good start. We look forward to building a solid relationship with the town and its citizens. Our plan is to hire as many local residents as possible."

Mayor Brian Shultz of Barrhead states, "We are pleased that BarrCana has chosen to locate its operation and administration in Barrhead. The magnitude of this business will be a significant influence for good and economic benefit for our community. The town looks forward with excitement, to a strong positive and valued relationship with BarrCana."

Reeve Lawrence Miller welcomes BarrCana Homes Inc. to the community. "This industry will make our community strong and sustainable with spin-off jobs to boost our local economy. We are also pleased this housing industry is environmentally friendly. We wish BarrCana Homes Inc. the utmost success."

M.L.A. and Speaker of the House, Ken Kowalski said, " I am absolutely delighted to hear of this outstanding opportunity for the Barrhead area. Manufactured and modular housing can really help Alberta's housing shortage. As well, the principals involved are experienced entrepreneurs with real experience in the housing business. I am really proud and supportive of what BarrCana is doing. This is great for Barrhead and great for Alberta."

Employees from Edmonton will be offered a free daily shuttle bus service from points in Edmonton to Barrhead. Paid travel time will be an incentive to signing on with BarrCana.

"Manufactured and modular housing is the only viable solution to the urgent housing need in non-urban centres, where most of the resource boom is happening." Bennett says. "It's affordable. It's safe. Homes will meet CSA requirements and provincial and national housing standards in a controlled environment. With the innovations in our industry over the past years, the product is most certainly conducive to residential housing demands." Bennett states that its biggest advantage is timing, "Our customers can choose their home design and be ready in just a short time, compared to many months it takes to complete a site-built home."

The company already has home orders and will pursue a broader client base with current and new developers, as well as retailers involved in the industry.

(780) 913-1008