Permits for $17.8 million worth of construction were taken out at city hall over the first quarter of the year, the highest it's been in four years.
The $6.5-million Learning and Development Centre slated for the University Hospital of Northern British Columbia is the biggest project to hit the books so far, followed by the new Van Kam Freightways building at 2100 Ogilvie St., worth $2.2 million.
Other major projects include facade improvements to Vanier Apartments at 2440 Nicholson St. S. and improvements to the Finning mechanic shop at 1140 Pacific St., both worth $1.5 million.
On the home construction front, 10 permits for $2.6 million worth of new homes have been issued, as have two permits for two duplexes, worth $739,730 in total.
Other notable projects included a $306,000 canopy revision and recladding at Finning's 1128 Pacific St. building, $250,000 worth of improvements to the new Legion Hall at 1116 Sixth Ave., $207,000 worth of improvements to the Northern Palace Restaurant at 3788 Austin Rd. W. and $200,000 worth of improvements to Spruceland Dental at 795 Central St. W.
During the first quarter of 2010, the total struck $21.9 million, when a permit for $7 million was issued for the new B.C. Cancer Agency Centre and new home construction reached $6.5 million on 27 permits.
First quarter totals dropped back to $12.9 million in 2011, $12.8 million in 2012 and $14.3 million last year.
