The COVID-19 pandemic has continued to delay the move-in date for a downtown condominium development.
Work has been ongoing at the 76-unit Matchedash Lofts, at the corner of Matchedash and Mississaga streets, throughout the pandemic, but the previous goal of having people move in during November was not realized.
“That was our expectation, but there have been staffing delays due to COVID,” said Geoffrey Campbell, managing partner with Oakleigh Developments.
Some of the skilled tradespeople working on the project also work at other sites. If any of them are exposed to COVID-19 at those sites, they have to quarantine and can’t get back to work on Matchedash Lofts for at least a couple of weeks.
There have been no COVID-19 cases or exposures at the downtown Orillia work site, Campbell said.
The goal now is to have people moved in by the end of February, but he can’t guarantee that will happen.
“COVID has just been a day-to-day mitigation problem. It’s a constantly evolving cloud,” he said.
The project is “getting close” to completion, he said, noting final painting has taken place and a number of the suites are finished.
The city is completing inspections, which is expected to take about another two weeks.
Matchedash Street, which had been restricted to one-way traffic, reopened fully around Christmas.
Despite the delays, those waiting to move in have been “understanding,” Campbell said.
“I’ve been very appreciative of our buyers,” he said. “They want to get in and get settled, and that’s all I want, but we’ve been receiving emails of support.”
Residential units have been the "sole focus,” he added, noting the commercial units on the ground floor can wait.
After a difficult year, Campbell is optimistic this one will be better.
“2020 was a very long year,” he said. “We’re close to the end. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’m hopeful for 2021.”
