Local construction industry outlook for 2020 appears brighter

This year’s construction outlook appears better than last year.

A start on the $650 million SaskPower natural gas co-generation plant should give construction a shot in the arm.

And starting the Canadian Tire development to consolidate Canadian Tire, Mark’s Work Wearhouse and Forzani’s on one site should help.

This year could match the record $131 million in building permits of 2014 when the F.H.Wigmore Regional Hospital was built.

Value of building permits issued by city hall last year declined 8.8 per cent to $27.7 million.

Single family housing increased 65 per cent to $12.4 million with 28 homes built compared with 21 in 2018.

Average cost of a new residence in 2019 was $443,382 compared with $358,824 the previous year, indicating that only high-income earners could afford to build new.

Largest construction during the year was two permits worth $3.5 million for the Town ’N’ Country Mall for social services office space and a gym complex and a $2.3 million apartment at 945D Maplewood Drive.

Other significant projects included:

• $1 million commercial building at 39 Thatcher Drive East
• $210,000 for an indoor recreational building at 108 Main Street North
• $341,000 condominium on Bradley Street on South Hill
• $180,000 apartment on Maplewood Drive in West Park subdivision
• $375,000 for a restaurant at 1250 Main North
• $480,000 for a clinic at 28 Highland Road near the hospital
• $240,000 for alterations to the Y day care at 679 Hall Street West
• $450,000 for an office building at 24 Main Street North.

Building Values