Both the number and value of building permits in the Town of Olds are down this year, compared to the first six months of last year.
However, development officer Carey Keleman says not to worry; big projects approved already this month will boost building stats so high they'll nearly equal figures for all of last year, let alone January through June.
In a report presented to the Municipal Planning Commission July 20, Keleman noted that from January through June, 47 building permits were issued by the town's planning department for projects worth a total of $5,775,572.
During the first six months of 2016, 58 permits were issued for projects worth a total of $6,475,447.
"Looking at the overall stats, we're up to nine detached dwelling housing starts. Our housing is slow, (but) we are moving in other areas, especially our commercial," she said.
By the end of June last year, the town had issued six permits for detached family homes.
For the first six months this year, the town has issued nine permits in the commercial category for projects worth a total of $588,500. During the same period last year, the town had issued 15 permits in that category for projects worth a total of $1,823,075.
"But I'm happy to say, ëstay tuned for July,'" Keleman said. "We're going to have a minimum $8 million stat."
She said that's because the town has already issued permits for two big developments this month -- one for a medical marijuana production facility planned by Sundial Growers; and for Chinook Estates, a 22-unit apartment building to be constructed in the former high school track and field area, just north of Grouchy Daddy's.
"That's going to bring our stats up to pretty much where they were for a total of last year for the whole year. So next month will be a good stat month," Keleman said.
"Stay tuned for July. We're going to have a minimum $8 million stat."CAREY KELEMANDEVELOPMENT OFFICER TOWN OF OLDS
