BARRY’S BAY – A Wilno based business has relocated along Highway 60 in Barry’s Bay. Owner Jeff Burchat, surrounded by friends, family and well-wishers, officially opened his new headquarters on the afternoon of May 19. J. Burchat Construction Inc. started in 2011 and specializes in new home construction. While not originally from the area, Jeff’s parents (Tony Burchat and Susan Allingham) are. Jeff grew up in Kingston, taking a keen interest in carpentry in high school. He eventually completed his apprenticeship from St. Lawrence College and became licensed in Kingston. Some thought he was “nuts” for returning to the Valley and starting a business. “But everything is falling into place somehow,” Jeff smiled. “It just happened by chance. It wasn’t planned. I got laid off from my union job, came up here to do some odd jobs. Before I knew it, I had a couple of week’s work. Then a couple of month’s work. Now we are steadily booked a year ahead. So it was a no-brainer to be able to live the lifestyle that we want and still make a good living.” Jeff is the husband of Sarah, who works at the St. Francis Herb Farm in Combermere, and the father of Jeffrey, 13, Josh, 12, James 5, and Sophie, 11 months. Cottagers make up the bulk of his business, and J. Burchat Construction Inc. has completed around 20 homes over the past five years. Pick up a copy of the May 23, 2018 paper to read the full story.