The value of building and development permits in Olds in June fell more than $1 million from the same month a year ago, but town development officer Carey Keleman sees room for optimism.
The value of building and development permits in Olds in June fell more than $1 million from the same month a year ago, but town development officer Carey Keleman sees room for optimism.
"We had a fairly busy month with a lot of miscellaneous items, a lot of them that were just development permits at this time, with plans for the building permit application down the road," she told the Municipal Planning Commission meeting late last month.
During June this year, the town issued a total of 15 development and building permits for $1,265,775 worth of projects, down more than $1 million from June last year, when the town issued 17 permits for projects worth a total of $2,272,750.
Keleman noted June 2016 building and development permits included "some really interesting ones" such as a development permit for Phase 1 of a medicinal marijuana production facility, including an office building, two greenhouses and an accessory building.
Another development permit for Forty Six Square Ltd. is for a gas bar and convenience store development at the corner of highways 27 and 2A. It calls for two commercial buildings featuring a total of eight bays.
The town received two applications for detached houses for a value of $359,000 compared to six in June 2015 for a value of $1.79 million.
One permit was issued in June for a duplex estimated at a total value of $650,000.
Keleman noted Habitat For Humanity (HFH) also plans to construct a duplex at 4826 52 St. So far, it has only obtained a development permit for that project. She said HFH plans to apply for a building permit later in the year.
In June 2015, the town did not issue any permits for duplexes.
"(It's) real slow on the housing market, but there is some activity out there and we foresee a little bit more before the end of the year," Keleman said.
In June this year, the town issued three permits for commercial building projects worth $60,075, compared to two worth $12,750 in June last year.
The town approved one institutional permit for a project worth $85,000. Last year it approved one in that category for a project worth $400,000.
No industrial permits were issued during June this year or June 2015.
Keleman said some major commercial developments are expected soon in Olds.
"We have some big commercial developments on the horizon," she said, adding those stats will be included in the July numbers.
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"We have some big commercial developments on the horizon." CAREY KELEMAN DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
