The Sault Ste. Marie construction industry is anticipating sustained growth, driven by government investments and a commitment to expanding the city’s housing supply. Local construction companies, including SalDan Developments, are well-positioned to benefit from this increased building activity, which is expected to generate new job opportunities.

Growth Fueled by Investment

The positive outlook for the Sault Ste. Marie construction sector is linked to the national housing shortage and significant government investments in home building programs. The Canada-Ontario Partnership to Build agreement, signed on March 30 by Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Doug Ford, allocates $8.8 billion over a decade to accelerate home construction and improve affordability across Canada.

Northern Ontario, and Sault Ste. Marie specifically, will receive a portion of this funding. Sam Biasucci, president of SalDan Developments, emphasized the positive impact of this governmental initiative on new construction nationwide.

Experienced Professionals Drive Success

Supporting this anticipated growth are veteran employees like Mark Marttinen and Shea MacGillivray, who are central to SalDan’s ongoing success. Marttinen, a carpenter, lead foreman, and supervisor with three decades of experience, has contributed to numerous projects in Sault Ste. Marie and beyond.

He specializes in the finishing touches of new homes, directly interacting with clients and finding satisfaction in the tangible results of his work. Marttinen is currently focused on completing Trinity Tower, a 112-unit residential project by SalDan.

A New Generation in Construction

Shea MacGillivray, the residential site supervisor, brings her skills and experience to the team, managing crews building detached homes in the Mulberry Street subdivision. She began her career with SalDan in 2016, after studying at White Pines Collegiate and completing a civil engineering program at Sault College.

MacGillivray’s experience spans various aspects of construction, from concrete work to insulation. She serves as a role model for women in the industry, inspiring others with her dedication and work ethic.

Looking Ahead

Both Marttinen and MacGillivray share optimism about the future of the construction industry in Sault Ste. Marie, highlighting the rewarding aspects of their careers and the opportunities available. They recommend the trade to those who enjoy outdoor work, physical activity, and the satisfaction of seeing projects come to fruition.

Sam Biasucci expressed confidence in the industry’s bright future and SalDan’s commitment to continued training for young workers, aiming to grow and provide employment opportunities in Sault Ste. Marie.