By Brent Bosker

A record year for construction

Dec 31, 2010 | 10:28 AM

If it seemed like there was more construction in Prince Albert in 2010 you weren’t deceived.

According the city’s building permit numbers issued Thursday, it wasn't just a great year for construction but a record one.

“2010 was just over the top in virtually every area of building,” said Mayor Jim Scarrow who called it a banner year.

There were 351 building permits with a construction value of $75.5 million dollars issued during the year. The numbers mean a 50 per cent increase over 2009 when 239 were put through by city hall, and a 24 per cent increase from the previous record-holding year of 2008 when 284 were issued.

Scarrow said the construction activity wasn’t just limited to one area.

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“Residential was up 47 per cent over the 2009 total, while commercial and industrial saw a 40 per cent increase,” he said.

Scarrow said it shows people in this city are prospering.

“(It) tells you people are living well in Prince Albert and they’re being employed well. These important sectors … show you the real strength of the growth that Prince Albert is experiencing,” he said.

Scarrow said the numbers are positive for encouraging further investment and increasing the city’s tax base.

The city is projecting strong growth in all areas over the next three to four years said Scarrow. He added the city is working with private developers to meet the demand for residential, commercial and industrial lands.

“The city … will be meeting in the New Year and putting in the plans and recommendations to council as to … the areas that will be developed in the year ahead.”

The numbers: 

 -2007: 204 building permits
-2008: 284 building permits
-2009: 239 building permits
-2010: 351 building permits  

bbosker@panow.com