Residential permits driving construction

Home construction is occurring at a rapid pace in towns a short driving distance from Red Deer, with residential building permits in high demand at Blackfalds, Penhold and Sylvan Lake.

Hammers are swinging particularly fast in Blackfalds, where the town approved $65.8 million worth of residential construction last year, up from $45.5 million in 2012.

Right from the beginning it was strong, said planning and development manager Terry Topolnitsky.

And this year doesnt look like its slowing down.

Staff in Topolnitskys department approved a record $75.6 million in construction last year. That surpassed the previous high of $72 million, set in 2012 when the $17.3-million Abbey Master Builder Centre hit the books.

Last year was driven primarily by the housing market, said Topolnitsky, including $51.3 million for single-family dwellings and $7.9 million for townhouses.

Really, all we had was small commercial, and then in industrial we had the $6-million My Garage World project, he said, referring to a garage-storage bay complex being developed in town.

Blackfalds has become a popular destination for many home-buyers, added Topolnitsky, suggesting that the towns rapid growth should further enhance its appeal.

With the new Abbey Centre opening up, that will bring more people in too.

South of Red Deer, the Town of Penhold churned out building permits for $13.8 million worth of housing in 2013.

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Residential permits driving construction