Matthew Wanless – President, Bulldog Construction Services Special to Barrie Construction News
The 42 Park Street project was more than just a build—it was a collaborative effort by local businesses, trades, and suppliers that came together to create something deeply meaningful for the community. Constructed for Camphill Foundation Canada, this home will provide safe, supported housing for an individual with diverse needs.
The project officially broke ground in late November 2024, with the foundation poured just before winter set in. Despite an extreme winter marked by record snowfalls, more than 95 per cent of construction was completed by the end of April. The final stretch has involved coordinating utility connections with Electra and Enbridge to bring the home to occupancy.
Like any meaningful project, there were challenges. Early on, we faced extremely long processing timelines from the City of Barrie’s planning and building departments. Complicating things further, the project was incorrectly flagged for zoning issues, triggering a rezoning process and a three-month delay while we went through the Committee of Adjustment. Fortunately, the committee unanimously approved the project and even questioned why it had been redirected in the first place.
In addition to permitting delays, we worked within a very tight site with no room for material storage, often coordinating deliveries to arrive just-in-time. Still, everyone involved remained committed and flexible throughout—keeping the momentum going even when conditions were tough.
What made this project truly special was the people. The businesses that donated materials and labour didn’t just show up—they showed heart. Their involvement wasn’t about recognition; it was about contributing to something with lasting impact.
Personally, it was a privilege to manage this build. Seeing Josh and Steve from Camphill visit the site and watching their faces light up as the home took shape was a reminder of why we do what we do. It’s a testament to what’s possible when skilled professionals come together with purpose and compassion.
This project is a reflection of the generosity, spirit, and professionalism that define the members of the Barrie Construction Association. We’re proud to have been a part of it.
Special thanks to:
- Bulldog Construction Services – Builder, Construction Management
Supplied labour for general tasks, site maintenance, landscaping, tile, fixtures and hardware, finishing, and exterior woodwork. All labour and management provided at a discounted rate below cost. - ISM Architects – Designer and Consultant (reduced fee structure)
- Gerrit’s Engineering – Engineering and Design Consultants (reduced fee structure)
- Cambium – Geotechnical Engineering (reduced fee structure)
- Joe Topo – Land Surveying (pro bono)
- K Winter Sanitation – Portable toilet (discounted cost, free delivery)
- Fence It In Ltd. – Construction fencing (free delivery and setup, discounted rental)
- Duivenvoorden Haulage – Demolition and engineered soil (heavily discounted)
- Barr Construction – Concrete foundation (discounted)
- Community Builders – Wood framing (discounted labour)
- Ainger Group Exteriors – Roofing, soffit/fascia/eaves, window installation, siding (discounted labour)
Acquired donations from Kaycan and Watson’s: all roofing, metals for soffits/eaves/fascia, and siding materials - HEED Drywall Systems – Insulation, boarding, taping (at-cost materials, discounted labour)
- Brian’s Little Electric – Electrical supply and labour (pro bono)
- Black River Heating and Cooling – HVAC installation (at-cost materials, discounted labour)
- Napoleon Home Comfort – HVAC equipment supply (donated furnace, heat pump, and fireplace)
- Plumbtech Plumbing – Plumbing labour and supply (discounted labour and materials)
- United Lumber – General material supply (discounted materials)
Window and door supplier with JELD-WEN (major below-cost discounts) - JELD-WEN – Window and door supply partner (major below-cost discounts)
- Allandale Home Hardware – Truss supplier with Phoenix Trusses (discounted materials)
- Phoenix Trusses – Truss supplier (discounted materials)
- JM Painting – Interior painting (discounted labour, at-cost supplies)
- BTM – Millwork supply (discounted materials)
- Wilson Woodworking – Kitchen cabinet supply and installation (discounted materials and labour)
- Alexanian Carpet – Flooring supply and installation (at-cost materials, discounted labour)
- Carl’s Complete Caulking – Exterior sealants (discounted labour and materials)
- Georgian Waste – Demolition waste disposal, soil moving (discounted fees)
- Prosigns.ca – Site signage and logo supplier (discounted fees)
- Landmark Environmental Group – Tree survey (discounted fees)
- Sergeants – Concrete supplier (discounted materials)
- Watson’s Building Supplies – Roofing material supply (donated)