After taking a little nap in 2011 and 2012, Estevan's construction sector roared back to life in 2013.
The City released the final building permits for the past year at the most recent council meeting and Estevan enjoyed a massive year, topping $58 million.
"It's very impressive, we were very happy with that and our growth continues," Mayor Roy Ludwig said following the Jan. 13 regular meeting. "We are still one of the leaders, if not the leader, in the province of Saskatchewan as far as growth."
Overall, Estevan issued 122 permits in 2013, which had a combined value of $58.79 million, which is among the highest ever totals posted by the City. It is also more than double 2012 when they issued $26.6 million in permits.
Ludwig said there was much to like in the report but noted the number of new housing units, 182, was encouraging.
"We feel that we are on target as far as our housing needs," Ludwig said in recognition of a City-commissioned report, which said Estevan will need around 200 new residences a year over the next five years to meet demands. "We are very happy with the developers that we were able to work with and help make their developments possible within the City."
Just over $10 million in permits were issued for single-family homes, while multi-family permits climbed to $17.8 million.
The construction pace in both the industrial and commercial sectors was also brisk. Commercial permits accounted for $17.8 million, while the 10 industrial permits issued totalled $10.2 million.
Although it's early, Ludwig said the City has high hopes for 2014 as well. In his speech at the first council meeting of the year, the Mayor said work on a handful of housing developments will continue. Of note, Trimount has announced plans for the next phase of development in the Dominion Heights subdivision. Work on The Ridge, a modular home park located at Estevan's southern border, is also progressing and it's expected that the company behind the project, WestD Construction, will have homes ready by the spring.
Less clear is the future of the much talked about project by Essex Developments north of St. Joseph's Hospital.
The City and Essex have been in discussions over the property for around two years and there've been rumours the negotiations have been tenuous at times.
Ludwig said he remains hopeful that a positive outcome can be reached and work can begin on what is an important development for the future growth of Estevan.
"We are still optimistic with Essex that we can reach the desired goals that we have to collectively reach in making their development a reality," he said.
Aside from residential development, Ludwig said the City also hopes to see more commercial projects in 2014. Last year the City sold a parcel of land located behind Walmart to an Alberta developer for commercial use.
