A report presented to city council on Monday night indicated a significant jump in the number of approved building permits so far this year, as well as a marked increase in the estimated value of these developments.
According to the report, at the end of 2016, there were 38 building permits issued, with an estimated construction value of $5.7 million.
At the end of 2017, there were 33 permits issued, with an estimated value of $3.3 million.
As of March, council had approved 52 permits so far this year, with an estimated value of
$14.1 million. The report noted that the majority of the approved permits, 37 in total, were for single-family dwellings.
Councillor Garth Frizzell noted the numbers were a positive sign for the local real estate industry.
"It continues to look good, even though we aren't really in the building season," Frizzell said.
"It's pretty impressive because it's lead by those single family dwellings."
According to the report, the highest value development this year was for a proposed $3 million to the Show lounge at the Treasure Cove Casino on Highway 97.
