A Windsor garage door company is betting that signs of life in the housing market will translate into growth for the construction sector. True North Garage Doors celebrated the grand opening of its new Tecumseh Road East showroom Tuesday, transforming a property that had sat vacant for years into a modern commercial space.
From Pandemic Slump to Renewed Confidence
Co-owner Rami Dawood noted that after the pandemic, costs surged and interest rates climbed significantly. However, with the Bank of Canada beginning to slow its interest rate hikes and the government introducing tax breaks for new home builds, the industry is seeing renewed activity. "People are feeling more confident that they can afford a home," Dawood said.
Some of the company's partners saw their annual home construction drop from nearly 100 units to as few as 10 or 15. But now, confidence is returning. "All of us are starting to see action now," Dawood added. "They're slowly climbing back up. By the end of 2027, we can possibly get back to that demand again here in Windsor."
Showroom Opening and Future Plans
True North Garage Doors specializes in residential and commercial garage door installation and supply. While the Tecumseh Road location currently serves as a showroom, Dawood outlined a long-term vision that includes a large warehouse operation and job creation. He estimated the company could eventually require a 40,000- to 50,000-square-foot warehouse and hire between 15 and 20 employees over the next several years.
Dawood emphasized the housing shortage in Windsor: "We have a major problem with housing shortages here in Windsor. And whether we like it or not, we need to supply that demand."
