The building boom continues in North Battleford, with building permits through May still outpacing last year's numbers.
Through May 2010, a total of 67 building permits have been issued for $29,153,500. That compares to 59 permits issued for $11,737,500 for the same period in 2009.
For the month of May alone, 17 building permits were issued for $3,095,000, which compares to 21 permits for $2,318,500.
The new numbers were presented to North Battleford's municipal services committee at their meeting Monday, June 21, the last meeting the committee will hold until September.
Driving the positive numbers are three new industrial permits issued for $10,650,000. As well, permits were issued this year for two industrial alterations for $7,583,000.
There has also been a spike in new dwellings this year so far, with 16 permits issued for $3,908,000, compared to five for $1,262,000 in 2009 in North Battleford.
New dwellings were down slightly for the month, however, with three new dwelling permits issued in May for $748,000, compared to five for $1,262,000 last May.
Driving the May numbers were permits for an industrial alteration for $1,019,000, as well as one new industrial permit for $325,000.
Also in May, one permit was issued for a new condo unit for $759,000; five garage/carport permits were issued for $72,000; four residential alterations were issued for $87,000; one commercial alteration was issued for $80,000; and one sign issued for $5,000.
Among the building plans approved this year was one for two industrial buildings on 732 and 752-110th Street, being put up by Leismeister Construction (97) Ltd. Estimated at a value of $325,000 each, two-bay workshop/storage garage buildings will be built at the location. Details of that building plan was presented at the June 14 regular council meeting by Building Inspector Jerry Wintonyk.
At Monday's municipal services meeting, business license numbers showed an increase for the month of May. Forty-eight new or renewed business licenses were issued to 28 in 2009. Overall, 673 business licenses have been issued through May for a total value of $133,640, compared to 623 issued for $113,315.
On a related matter, fee increases for building licenses may be a possibility next year. City Manager Jim Toye confirmed to councillors plans were in the works by the City administration team to look at "all other revenue other than taxes" and find ways to boost their revenue streams.
All the directors are working with their staffs to determine whether or not the fees being charged are appropriate, he told council. Toye said council could expect a report by the end of the year on the whole issue.
Toye also told council business activity remains high in North Battleford, and he hopes to have further announcements about commercial activity as they were hoping to close a few deals with businesses interested in coming to the community.
"We certainly expect these numbers to go up in the next month," Toye told the committee.
