Proof of a current construction boom in the District of Squamish is in the numbers.
The number of building permits issued from 2013 to 2014 increased by almost 25 per cent in the category of single family, duplex and multi-family permits, according to figures from the district.
There were 95 single family, duplex, and multi-family permits issued for 2014 and 75 in 2013.
“It is busier than it has been the last few years, quite noticeably, and from what we can see it is going to stay that way at least through 2015, and [judging by] applications we’ve got on the desk, it looks like through 2016 as well – baring any unforeseen economic downturn,” said Gary Buxton, general manager of development services and public works with the district.
Average construction values have also increased substantially over the past few years, according to Buxton. “We’re back to values that are more like the 2005-2007 period,” he said.
“In 2012, 2013 the construction values were in the $30-$35-million range and 80 to 100 units a year and last year was… roughly $60 million,” said Buxton.
Fifty-one per cent of overall new development applications between 2005 and 2013 were residential, according to a district report, and that trend is continuing.
So far in 2015, about 56 permits have been issued, the vast majority of those, 19, are single family homes, which is consistent with the trend over the past few years.
The increase is partly due to more construction, but some of it is related to an increased cost of construction – inflation, said Buxton.
The value of construction actually jumped from $42.8 million in 2013 to $60.4 million in 2014.
“It certainly looks like this year is going to be as busy,” Buxton said, adding the number of applications and pre-application inquiries suggests the current pace of construction will continue well through the year.
“The cost of construction to the end of March, I think, was $12 million which puts us on track to meet or exceed last year’s figures in terms of construction values,” Buxton said, adding that construction values are not the best gauge of progress because sometimes they go up for other reasons.
Although staff at the district is extremely busy, Buxton said those handling the applications are doing well. “Is there a request for us to move a little faster? Yes, and the budget is proposing to hire additional engineering staff, which should allow us to move things through a little faster.”
Building permits take four to eight weeks to process, he said. It takes four weeks for simple applications and about eight weeks when the application is complex or more information is needed.
Currently there are four planners and two engineers looking at development issues in the district.
Please note this story has been corrected since it was first published to reflect more accurate figures provided by the Distirct of Squamish.
