So far, without even any building stats compiled for December, the total value of building projects in the town of Olds for 2014 is twice that in all of 2013.
Through the end of November, the town has issued building permits for $44,745,367 worth of projects. That's double all of last year, when permits were issued for $22,006,730.
Town development officer Carey Keleman presented those stats to members of the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) Dec. 18.
Keleman says the big difference this year occurred in March when a permit was issued for a $15.6-million project in the institutional category – the new students' residence at Olds College.
In addition to that housing has been growing.
Through November this year, 42 permits were issued for single detached homes worth a total of $14.07 million, compared to 41 permits all of last year for single detached homes worth a total of $10.8 million.
Also, through November this year 12 permits have been issued for $4.4 million worth of duplexes. During the entire year in 2013, the town issued four permits for duplexes worth a total of $1.4 million.
“We're at about 66 housing units for this year so far, whereas last year, in total, we had 49,” Keleman said.
“Then we still have December to do yet too, and I do believe there were a couple of duplex permits added to that as well. We're up over 20 above last year. So it was an extremely good year for Olds in the residential area. It was a good year all around.”
Keleman said so far, December 2014 has “clearly” been a “quiet month” for building permits.
Two more single-detached dwellings were approved. Permission was also granted for a couple of home occupations and some accessory buildings.
Mayor Judy Dahl thanked staff for all their work in regard to building permits.
“Yes, we have had a very good, balanced year,” she said.
