Red Deer’s proposed Ronald McDonald House is already making a difference — at least to the city’s Inspections and Licensing Department.
The $12-million project, which when completed will provide accommodation for families of infants and children being treated at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, was issued a $6.2-million building permit last month. That, combined with approvals for $6 million in residential work, $2.7 million for commercial projects and $220,000 for industrial construction, pushed the total value of building permits issued in July to $15.2 million.
A year ago, $9.4 million worth of work was authorized in July: $8 million for residential projects, $1.2 million for commercial building, $11,000 in the industrial category and $196,000 for public facilities.
So far this year, a total of $74.9 million in construction work has been approved by the city, up from $68.3 million for the January-to-July period of 2009.
The total value of residential permits issued so far this year is $43.5 million, less than $3 million ahead of the 2009 pace. But single-family homes are up 40 per cent to $33.5 million.
Ronald McDonald House is slated for construction at 3908 Gaetz Ave. and will consist of 11-suites.
Among the other big permits issued by the city last month was one for $2.2 million for redevelopment of the Husky service station at 4505 49th Ave.