Building activity in West Grey saw a decrease during the second quarter compared to 2023.
Council reviewed the building statistics for residential, agriculture, commercial, institutional, and industrial projects over the last couple of months during a meeting on Aug. 13.
It shows 77 permits were issued this year compared to the 97 in 2023.
The majority of the permits came from residential projects with 11 new homes, two multi-residential, as well as various others for additions, septic, and accessories.
There were also three permits issued for new agricultural buildings.
To date, a total of 26 new residential units were created in 2024, a slight decline from the 30 in 2023.
Director of Community and Development Services Karl Schipprack says while the second quarter has seen a decrease in permit numbers, there was a large increase in project value and permit fees.
“The increase in project value and permit fees is due to the West Grey police station and the Rockwood Terrace long-term care building permits issued in the second quarter,” says a report from Schipprack.
He adds so far, this year is seeing a seven per cent decrease in building permits issued from 2023, but permit fees are up 277 per cent and permit values are up 146 per cent.
During the second quarter, project values reached over $50.7 million compared to the $17.7 million in 2023.
“These numbers are indicating an overall reduction in construction for 2024 if we remove the two large institutional projects,” says the report.