Construction on Hinton’s first Habitat for Humanity home is underway on Boutin Ave. despite snowfall that has slightly slowed down the work. 

According to Dave Zimmel, Habitat for Humanity’s northern development co-ordinator, the floor was expected to be put in this week, but weather stalled construction for several days. 

“We could have used one more week of warm weather,” Zimmel said. 

Construction on the homes, located at 358 and 360 Boutin Ave., began a month ago. So far the basement is complete. Many volunteers, including the families who will own the houses when they are complete, have been out to help so far. 

Several inches of snow blanketed Hinton on Oct. 19, creating a mucky work site. Zimmel said crews did not work on Oct. 20, and were planning to head out to the site on Oct. 21 to assess the area.

“Our goal right now is to work as quickly as the weather and volunteers allow us to,” he said. 

Zimmel estimates the houses are about two weeks behind, putting the date of completion into January of 2011. Originally it was expected that the families would take ownership before Christmas. He hopes the framing will be finished on the homes before the weather deteriorates further.