New construction in the city of Owen Sound in September kept pace with the level of a year, but the dollar value for the work is down.

39 permits were issued last month, compared to 38 in September of 2011

But the value of the work was about 1.6 million dollars compared to over two million dollars.

No new homes were started, while seven new homes were under construction a year ago.

The biggest construction permit issued was for just under one million dollars for the new Bibles for Missions Thrift Store on 18th Avenue East in Owen Sound.

There was also a permit for 150 thousand dollars worth of alterations to the roof at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.

Owen Sound Development Co-ordinator Sandi Parks says so far in 2012, nearly 14 million dollars worth of construction has started, compared with 13.3 million a year ago.