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Stettler housing starts slow despite ‘construction boom’

Construction and building continued to “boom” in 2012 in the Town of Stettler.

Construction and building continued to “boom” in 2012 in the Town of Stettler. Building permits were valued at just more than $17.6 million, up from $16.1 million the previous year.

“It was primarily commercial and institutional building activity last year,” said Leann Graham, the town’s planning and development officer.

Overall, the town issued permits for construction valued at $17, 640,728, up from $16,140,927 in 2011, just $6.8 million in 2010 and $16 million in 2009.

More specifically, those permits reflect institutional at $8,729,380 from $82,613 in 2011, industrial at $3,622,900 from $7,683,334 in 2011, commercial at $3,468,848 from $,217,905 in 2011 and residential at $1,819,600 from $3,157,075 in 2011.

“When I look at the number of developed residential units created, we had just five in 2012, other than Points West Living, and that’s been a significant decrease over the years,” Graham said.

“With the increase in commercial development, we hope and expect to see residential (construction) climb in the coming years.”

Already, a 12-unit mobile home park on 43 Street at 50 Avenue has been fully serviced and is ready to fill, she said.

“Now, it’s a matter of the developer marketing the project.”

Institutional development this past year was mainly the new Points West Living facility.

As the major development in town, the new Points West seniors’ supportive-living complex on 70 Street is scheduled for completion in May at a cost of $8,675,760. It is slated to contain 88 units for supportive living and 16 other independent units.

Valued at $1,357,359, the biggest commercial project underway in Stettler is the Red Deer Co-op gas bar, convenience store and car wash on Highway 12 at 62 Avenue. The complex is set to open in March.

In its second phase, the Co-op plans to construct a liquor store, valued at $1.5 million, just south of the convenience store.

“They plan to start construction in May and be open by Oct. 31,” Graham said.

The town’s commercial construction included renovations at Sobeys, and new premises for Savage Value Drug Mart, Performance Physiotherapy and Fitness Centre and John’s Clothing and Shoes and the new Domino’s Pizza.

Industrial development included Stettler Oil and Gas for $1,144,000, ENR Distribution for $673,500 and “a minor addition” to Tak Oilfield Sales and Services.