Building and development in the Town of Stettler dropped drastically, by well over 50 per cent, in 2010 while residential construction was up significantly.
Total building permits were valued at $6,868,880 last year, down significantly from $16,051,411 in 2009.
However, the town expects higher numbers this year with several projects planned.
Residential development doubled last year from the previous year, ”while commercial and industrial was down,” said Leann Graham, planning and development clerk.
Categorically, building permits included:
• Residential –$4,692,531, up from $2,004.719 in 2009.
• Institutional –$1,238,259, down from $8,108,675 in 2009.
• Industrial – $631,080, up from $613,210 in 2009.
• Commercial –$307,010, down from$5,324,806 in 2009.
Building was busy in 2009 with major renovations to William E. Hay Composite High School valued at $6.49 million and Christ-King Catholic School valued at $1.6 million and the new Canadian Tire building at $3.45 million, which accounted for the largest building activity.
While residential value doubled last year, 20 new homes were built, up just one from 2009.
“People did a lot of redevelopment with renovations or new garages on their properties,” said Graham.
With a sluggish period in 2010, the town expects a boom of activity this year.
“We are anticipating a lot more commercial and industrial building activity in 2011,” said Graham.
“We are receiving many inquiries about redevelopment of vacant commercial lots and we also anticipate new or relocated businesses in the West Stettler Highway 12 area.”
Recently, the town approved the West Stettler Highway 12 Area Structure Plan for a 163.4-acre site south of the highway and west of 70 Street to develop highway commercial, mixed business, and residential growth by developer Steve Wilfort.
Two other projects have the potential for huge growth over the next few years.
On the east side of 70 Street near 44 Avenue, an 88-unit complex for affordable seniors’ supportive living has been planned by Points Living West at a cost of $8.8 million with funding from the provincial government.
Over 400 residences of various styles have also been proposed under a concept for a new development on 61 Street west of Emmerson Estates.