The value of building permits almost doubled over a one-year period thanks to strong residential construction growth in Red Deer.
The City of Red Deer released statistics for March, showing permits totalling 131, with an estimated value of $26.6 million. This compares to 106 per permits in March 2011, with an estimated value of $13.8 million.
A total of 106 residential permits, or $9.8 million worth, were issued in March 2012. In March 2011, that number was 84, or $7.7 million.
Erin Stuart, licence/permit inspector for the City of Red Deer, said she expects growth to continue since new housing is coming on stream this summer, including in the new neighbourhood of Garden Heights just north of 67th Street and west of 30th Avenue.
“We anticipate there will be commercial projects as well (this summer) as well as with the new schools being proposed,” said Stuart.
A new commercial building for MGM Ford/Lincoln at 3010 50th Ave., and the new Humpty’s Restaurant at the Holiday Inn on 67th Street contributed to strong commercial permit values.
Commercial permits totalled 16 permits or $11.7 million, while in March 2011 it numbered 12 permits or $5.2 million.
Eight industrial permits were issued, or $977,500 worth in March. A total of 10 permits were given out in March 2011, or $968,500.
A public permit issued to the Red Deer Curling Club for a $4-million renovation also played a part in March’s strong permit values.