Building activity picks up in Minto; best year since 2022
MINTO – Building activity in Minto has picked up considerably in 2026, with over $51.5 million worth of building permits issued thus far this year.
Deputy chief building official Wesley Graham presented council with the building department’s 2026 year-to-date review on Aug. 11, reporting 143 permits issued with a total construction value of $51,550,520.
“We’re having a good year. We haven’t had a year like this since 2022,” Graham told council.
Residential construction accounts for a significant portion of this year’s activity. Graham reported 54 residential permits issued representing approximately $28.6 million in construction and 72 new dwelling units. Of those units, 36 will come from a new apartment building going up in Palmerston.
The 72 new dwelling units already approved in 2026 represent a considerable increase over recent years.
Graham told council Minto had 28 new dwelling units in 2025, 33 in 2024 and 29 in 2023. By comparison, 85 new dwelling units were recorded in 2022.
“So in August, we’re almost back to 2022 numbers,” he said.
Agricultural construction has also contributed to the municipality’s building activity, with 31 permits issued for projects valued at about $7.47 million. Those include five new barns, three barn additions and 11 new sheds, shops, hay storage buildings and similar roofed structures.
Industrial construction represents another $14.05 million through seven permits issued thus far this year. Graham said TG Minto accounted for four of the seven permits, with another larger project in the works.
He highlighted several projects underway throughout the municipality, including an expansion at Palmerston Manufacturing and residential construction in Harriston and elsewhere in Minto.
The report included photographs of agricultural, industrial and residential projects currently at various stages of construction.
Construction of the Palmerston apartment building also includes a stormwater management system designed to temporarily store water and allow it to infiltrate back into the groundwater.
Graham said the underground system is approximately 120 feet long and uses infiltration chambers to manage water on the site.
Councillor Ron Elliot asked Graham why there is an increase in building this year, and what his thoughts were on the economics of it all.
Graham said the HST rebate has been helping subdivision builders sell more single-family homes.
He added agriculture always has a baseline and stays “good” while grants have also been contributing to the industrial side of things with employers being able to expand.
Council received the building report for information.
