Last year was a good one for building activity in Centre Wellington – and it looks like the trend may continue in 2013.
In a recent report to council, presented at its Feb. 11 committee of the whole meeting, chief building official Bob Foster reported that in 2012, the total number of permits issued was 658, slightly less than the 677 issued in 2011.
However, the value of that construction grew by 36 per cent over 2011 figures.
Foster noted residential construction remained strong and “approached historic high activity levels.”
He attributed that, in part, to the continued condominium development with the beginning of construction of the 49-unit PierPoint building on Scotland Street in Fergus and the 26-unit Allen Suites on Colborne St. in Elora.
In addition, activity remained strong in the single detached dwelling sector, he said.
Last year’s total value of all construction rose to $81,440,650 from the previous years’ value of $60,022,436, representing a new historic high level of activity.
The total amount of permit fees collected rose 20% to $905,257 from the 2011 figure of $745,715.
Foster stated, “With a value of $33,196,088, new residential construction continues to be the largest individual sector, amounting to 52% of all construction value.”
He added the construction of the new Elora water treatment facility ensured the industrial sector was second largest in the township at $10,554,100 – with the commercial sector (including the Target Store renovations and the new LCBO store) in third at $18,914,370. Institutional construction comprised 5% of all construction at $4,053,000.
Positive forecast
Foster anticipated “the current strong development growth will continue for the foreseeable future.
“The servicing of additional residential development lands on the south, north and east of Fergus will ensure a healthy supply of residential lands for the next few years. In addition, with the planned development of the Little Folks property, the new hospital and expansion of the Jefferson Automotive facilities, Centre Wellington will continue to be a desirable place to live, work and play.”
The challenges Foster cited, included ensuring there is adequate staffing to deal with the current and continuing high levels of development activity and the additional staff roles and responsibilities related to Source Water Protection such as the implementation of a private septic re-inspection program.
He noted implementation of the new 2012 Building Code on Jan. 1, 2014 will also require additional staff technical training and re-certification of individual qualifications to meet the provincially-mandated requirements.
