Saint John city staff say July development activity brought in the highest monthly construction value in the last 10 years.
A presentation to the city’s growth committee Sept. 22 included a report which showed year-to-date permit valuation reached $75 million, roughly $11 million higher than the average over the last 10 years.
Deputy commissioner of growth Amy Poffenroth says the numbers were better than they expected to see such a quick bounce back.
“It’s a better year than we had anticipated, despite the slow spring we had with the COVID-19 pandemic,” Poffenroth said.
After the pandemic was declared, the city adjusted its anticipated revenue from permits down to $750,000. That number has since increased to $900,000.
A release issued by the city stated $900,000 in permit revenue could translate into roughly $100 million in construction value.
Mayor Don Darling said the current trends are “fantastic news” that goes to show the city has not stayed silent through the pandemic.
“It matches what you’re seeing around town,” Darling said. “Cranes up, building supply companies flat-out, contractors flat-out. I think it speaks to our… really keeping our finger on the pulse of what’s going on.”
The city highlighted major permits issued for projects like the old Gothic Arches space at 95 Wentworth Street, 75 Heather Way, and 7-11 Wellington Row among others, as examples of major permits issued over the last two months.
Poffenroth added that despite the numbers not yet being available, August looks to be another strong month for the city.
“We have over 35 permits in our queue right now being reviewed,” she said. “So still strong activity in permit and development approvals, and we look forward to a strong fall to continue this record-breaking year.”
Those 35 permits have a projected construction value of $44 million.
