The number of permits issued in 2017 increased over the year before, but values were down in comparison to extraordinary 2019 Canada Winter Games-related construction in 2016.

Last year 1,205 permits were issued for a value of $153 million, compared to 1,078 permits valued at $247 million in 2016. The main factor was the Servus Arena and Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre – together valued at more than $90 million.

This past year also saw building related to the 2019 Canada Winter Games in the form of $6.5 million in renovations to the former Central Elementary School for the new location of The City of Red Deer’s Culture Services Centre; and $3.5 million in upgrades to Great Chief Park for a new recreation facility addition, complete with pavilion, garage, artificial turf field and a skating oval.

Residential building permits made a stronger showing in 2017, with 885 permits issued for a value of $50 million compared to 795 permits valued at $44 million the year before.

Other significant projects for 2017 included a five storey residence at Red Deer College campus; a new apartment building in the downtown; renovations at Parkland Mall; a Lowe’s in the south; a new Quinn Artificial Lift Services facility; and a three storey medical office building at the bottom of the South Hill.

Monthly permit statistics are available on The City’s website.