Building permits are off to a fast start in 2014 in North Battleford.
According to the statistical report presented Monday to the Municipal Services Committee by Building Inspector Jerry Wintonyk, seven building permits were issued in January for $7,678,700, a big jump from four issued for $754,000 from the same month in 2013.
The most noteworthy jump was recorded in commercial alterations, with three permits issued for $5,723,000, a big change from the one permit for $30,000 in the same category a year earlier.
Wintonyk confirmed to the Regional Optimist that the bulk of that number comes from $5.5 million for the Walmart expansion, which was announced last month.
Even not including that $5.5 million permit, values would still be way up. Other highlights include one new commercial permit for $1,115,000 for the North West Community Futures building currently going up near the Frontier Mall, as well as one apartment building permit issued for $810,000 for the new eight-unit pocket housing project.
One residential alteration for $15,000 and one institutional alteration for $15,000 was also included in permit numbers for January.
In January 2013, the bulk of the permit value came from a industrial alteration permit issued for $689,000.
Two other projects announced in the past month - the Co-op gas bar near the Walmart location, as well as a new car wash in the north end - were not part of the January permit value numbers. Wintonyk has confirmed those permits will be included in future reports.
The building permit numbers were welcomed at Monday's meeting. Councillor Ryan Bater noted the "ten fold increase" in permit values, calling it a "nice way to start the year."
In response, Wintonyk indicated the good news wasn't going to be limited to the January report.
"You haven't seen anything yet. Wait until February and March come forward," he said.
