Even with three months remaining in the calendar year, Swift Current building permit numbers are third best in city history.
As of the end of September, building permit numbers in Swift Current reached the $48 million mark, well ahead of the $18 million recorded during the first nine months of 2010.
"Given the fact that we have a diverse economy, it's nice to see that at this point in time it looks like we're running on all eight cylinders. And it bodes well for the future," explained Marty Salberg, Director of Business Development for the City of Swift Current. "All in all its been a very, very good year - $48 million to the end of September compared to $18 million last year."
He noted that increased totals to the end of September were in all areas of development, with increased totals in residential, commercial, industrial and institutional building permits.
"In totality, they're up 166 per cent over 2010 to the end of September," Salberg said during an interview on Monday.
He pointed to $21.4 million in residential building permits, with 98 multi-family units and 26 single family residents, which places them well ahead of the $12 million last year. This activity is also adding to the inventory of city housing.
"On the single family houses there is always a lot more coming on stream. We have some real nice developments that have started. You look at Sweetwater Estates on the old hospital site, it's starting to come around real nice. We have some houses up in the very northwest corner of Swift Current on Colonel Otter and Battleford Trail, where Sagewood Development is building those units and they look quite nice. Of course we have all the new homes that are being built in the Highland Subdivision, which are some very nice homes as well. So there's a good amount of options for people who are looking to move to Swift Current or relocate within the city," Salberg said.
"That, coupled with the 98 multi-family units that have building permits out on them really does provide housing options of all types."
He also noted the positive reception in the market to the various multi family units being built, adding that it is nice that some construction companies are taking on construction of both condo and rental multi family units.
Swift Current has recorded some new industrial buildings being constructed over the past two years, and there has been significant value to these additions.
"I've had a lot of interest this year, and in particular the last few months in terms of business interested in our Munroe Industrial Park. That has taken a little bit of time, but I believe next year we'll see some more construction start out there," Salberg said.
"In terms of the industrial, we have a strong industry in this area. We have strong manufacturers, we have strong oil and gas companies, and we do know from the realtors in town, and from people interested in finding shop space, it's very, very limited in Swift Current. As we see those industries continue to grow, there's going to be more opportunity for these types of buildings getting constructed in our industrial park."
"The industrial side, its been a good year. We believe it will only get stronger in the next few years to come."
One of the largest building permits is at the Water Treatment Plant, with this needed expansion adding an important component of the city's infrastructure and ensuring water safety and quality into the future.
"I think we're going to continue to see our city grow in all directions. I think we have a good plan in place. We're well positioned in terms of infrastructure, coupled with a strong business climate, and confident businesses, we'll continue to see expansion and new businesses in Swift Current."
"So all in all this has been a very good year, in fact it's the third best year in the history of the city. And next year is shaping up to be very strong as well already."
