May stats for building permits were way down in Owen Sound compared to a year ago — but officials say not to worry.
Development Co ordinator Sandi Parks says while the number of building permits issued in May was the same as last May the construction value was way off — by almost 8 million dollars.
She says last May was hard to beat with several large projects on the go including the Marine Simulator at Georgian College, the downtown Shoppers Drug Mart, the renovations at the Police station and the expansion at RBW.
Year to date figures are also quite a bit lower than the same time last year.
There were 123 building permits issued for the first five months of this year — compared to 176 last year.
Year to date construction value is also 10 million dollars lower than this time last year.
Again Parks says the figures aren’t that bad and Owen Sound continues to be somewhat sheltered from the global economic slow down.
She says the city is usually pretty steady and doesn’t have the large peaks most other communities have.
Parks says they’re also issuing more permits for home renovation jobs as residents take advantage of the government’s tax rebate programs.