Building activity in the municipality in 2012 was up by nearly 50 per cent over the previous year in terms of the value of new construction projects.
A year-end report by chief building official David Kopp presented to Mapleton council on Jan. 8 indicates building permits were issued for construction valued at $39,230,169 in 2012, up by just over $13 million from total permit values of $26,213,176 in 2011.
The township collected building permit fees of $354,146 in 2012, compared to $219,020 in 2011, a difference of $135,126. A total of 344 building permits were issued in 2012, 66 more than the 2011 total of 278. Kopp said residential building held steady in 2012, but a strong year in agricultural construction in the township was responsible for much of the increase over 2011 numbers. Construction of the 10-turbine Conestoga Wind Energy Centre also accounted for some of the increase in building activity, he said.
In 2012 there were 15 permits issued under the classification of “designated structures.” Construction value of those permits was $7,480,000, generating building fees of $75,300.
Kopp said the wind farm construction accounted for 90 per cent of those totals, with roof-mounted solar panels making up the balance in that category. However, he said building activity was “fairly spread out” among various categories.
