OLDS — During the first six months of this year, the town’s planning and development department processed 18 more building permits than last year.
And in total, those projects were worth nearly double the value of those dealt with during the same period last year.
According to statistics provided during the town's municipal planning commission’s July meeting, town staff processed 51 building permits from January through June this year for projects worth a total of $4,123,344.
During the same period last year, town staff processed 33 building permits for projects worth a total of $2,185,960.25.
Development officer Kyle Sloan admitted to commissioners that June, specifically this year was a quiet month.
During that month, five building permits were processed for projects worth a total of $25,500.
Things were even slower during June last year, the first year of the COVID-19 outbreak. During June 2020, four building permits were issued for projects worth a total of $481,552.25.
Sloan did point out one interesting trend though.
“We’ve noticed an uptick -- an interest in solar energy lately,” he said.
Town officials say they've approved three rooftop solar installations since May.
