NewGen Building Systems here for the long haul

Kevin Laliberte
Smoky River Express

One of the biggest commercial newcomers on the Smoky River region’s block is digging in its heels for what it hopes to be a long and prosperous future. “This region has an incredible amount of appeal and potential in terms of the possibilities for future development,” says Sheldon Windjack, vice-president of operations for SLR Group, in a recent one-on-one interview with the Express. “We are committed to the long-term economic growth and development of this area.” The Kamloops-based company formally arrived in the region last fall under the corporate umbrella of NewGen Building Systems Inc. – a subsidiary of SLR Group Ltd. (run by operations manager Will Moses) – and is making positive strides to help stimulate the economy by providing growth opportunities for area communities. Much of that growth is expected to be generated from Peace River Oil Inc.’s proposed $1.4-billion oil upgrader/diesel refinery (dubbed the Bluesky Project) south of McLennan at Kathleen. Windjack says that while the upgrader would be a significant feather in their cap in terms of increased demand for housing, NewGen’s presence in the region is not dictated by the project itself. “We’re obviously excited about the opportunities that co-exist with a project of this magnitude. Having said that, our interest here in the region is not contingent upon the upgrader project. We’re here for the long haul regardless of what happens with Peace River Oil’s plans.” Proof of that statement includes the company’s acquisition of A-1 Carpentry & Concrete last fall and the official hiring of Dan Bouchard as general manager. “Dan’s been a tremendous asset to us from day one. He brings a great deal of experience and knowledge of the area to the position and we feel extremely fortunate to have him.” Equally impressive is NewGen’s existing role and relationship with municipal councils in Falher and McLennan for residential construction needs. Windjack says they have met with the Town of Falher to discuss the possible development of municipal property near the Chevaliers Centre, adding that there appears to be a demand in the community for residential homes and additional housing units catering to people in the 55-plus age bracket. It’s a similar scenario east on Highway 2 in the Town of McLennan where NewGen and the Town of McLennan continue to work in tandem. The company, which acquired rights to several pieces of property last year from the town for the purpose of residential development, also has an option to build on additional land should the need arise. “We’re working closely with the municipality to fulfill their requirements for residential and commercial development in the community,” Windjack explains, noting that a similar 55-plus housing project is currently being proposed. His professional involvement with the business end of things has lent itself to direct community involvement as vice-president of the McLennan & District Chamber of Commerce – a position he accepted last fall. Over the past six months he’s been pleasantly surprised by the renewed sense of interest towards the chamber by the business sector, which is excited about the unique opportunities for growth in McLennan and area. He says that excitement has resulted in a fairly dramatic turnaround in terms of business interest recently with an average of between 16 and 20 people present at monthly meetings – figures which up until a year ago were virtually unheard of. “Some of the ideas and concepts coming from the chamber are absolutely wonderful in terms of potential.” “It’s a really exciting time for everyone in the region.” NewGen officially took over the old curling rink in McLennan last fall as part of a two-year lease agreement with the municipality which will see the company utilize the facility as a fabrication plant. “It’s ready to go. We’re just waiting on the arrival of a couple key pieces of equipment,” he explains, adding that wall components for all types of residential and commercial structures will be constructed at the plant. The plant, which will serve the needs of the entire region, is expected to employ a staff of anywhere between 10 and 15 people. Windjack says it should be up and running by the middle of this month. “We’re committed to building quality, custom built homes at a competitive price.” But first things first. Much like any other business, the presence of NewGen Building Systems Inc. in the region will hinge directly on market demand by the public for construction of residential homes and commercial structures. “It’s certainly not practical from a business standpoint to build 20 or more homes in the community without first having committed buyers in place,” he says, likening it to the old adage of putting the cart before the horse. “The need has to be there before we can begin the work from our end,” he says, adding that residential construction in McLennan, for example, will be carried out in various phases based on demand. “Our door is open to anyone with a vested interest in pursuing the option of becoming a home owner.” “The higher the interest level, the sooner we can get things rolling from our end.”