Building permits hit four-year high

Building permits for a near-unprecedented $105.2 million worth of construction were issued over the first nine months of the year, according to a report from city hall.

It's the highest total seen by the third quarter mark since 2010 when the figure was $123 million by the end of September. That year, five new institutional projects accounted for $64 million.

In contrast, this year commercial projects are leading the way - the largest being the foundation for the new Northland Dodge dealership at 2844 Recplace Drive, worth $12 million.

In all, eight new commercial projects have added up to $26.5 million and a further 71 commercial alteration projects contributed a further $22.2 million. As well, 86 permits for $23.8 million worth of single family homes have also been issued.

Other major projects so far this year include facade improvements to the RBC building at 550 Victoria St., worth $7 million, the Learning and Development Centre at the University Hospital of Northern B.C., worth $6.5 million, and a new B.C. Government and Services Employment building at 500 Quebec Street, worth $4 million.

In 2007, the total reached $103 million by the end of September and then dipped to $66.8 million and $55.4 million by the same points in 2008 and 2009 after the recession struck. After the spike in 2010, it dropped back to $65 million by the three quarter point in 2011 and then bounced back to $98.7 million and $96.4 million in 2012 and 2013.

Looking solely at September, 55 permits were issued for $8.7 million worth of work, led by 14 permits for $4.4 million worth of new single-family homes.

Other projects of note for September included a permit for a 1,178-square metre building for phase 1B of the River Point Landing retail complex at 3040 Recplace Dr. That follows on a permit issued in August for a 4,407-square-metre at the same site, worth $3.8 million.

Next highest was $500,000 for tenant improvements for Houle Electric at 2333 Nicholson St., then $450,000 for tenant improvements for CAT Rental Store at 1140 Pacific St., then $400,000 for a pole structure at the Railway and Forestry Museum at 850 River Road.

Also, development permits were issued to the Prince George Native Friendship Society for construction of a new two-storey shelter services building at 1320 Second Ave., and to O'Brien Training School Ltd. for facade improvements at 140 Quebec St. The value of those projects were not provided.