Building permit values increased almost 17 per cent for the month of May.
City hall issued permits worth $1.32 million, an increase of $200,000 over last May.
Major permits for the month included $260,000 for installation of a prefab building at 1218 Grace Street, $200,000 for renovations at the Petro-Canada service station on the North Service Road, $36,500 for a retail renovation at 2518 High Street West, $165,000 for a building addition to a home in Iron Bridge, and $8,500 for office alterations at 353 High Street West.
Year to date building values are down 37 per cent to $5.18 million.
Single family dwellings so far number five worth $1.4 million — a decrease of eight homes and $3 million in construction.
Average cost of a new house this year runs at $280,000 compared with $339,000 last year.
One demolition permit was issued during May.
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
