It’s been a busy year so far for building in Saugeen Shores.
Town Chief Building Official Jim Bell says in June there was 2.7-million-dollars worth of construction.
In June 2008 the value was 9.6-million-dollars but Bell is quick to point out that permits included the start of the Walmart construction in Port Elgin.
Bell says more permits have been issued this year but the dollar value can’t compare to the Walmart construction.
Year-to-date, Saugeen Shores has seen almost 12.5-million-dollars worth of construction — a far cry from the 2008 total of 49-million-dollars.
However Bell points out that the inflated 2008 numbers again includes the Walmart start-up along with developers applying for permits before town development charges came into effect in March of that year.
Bell says contractors are telling him they’re booked solid and the rest of the year looks promising for construction in Saugeen Shores.