The Official PEI Project Thread

[braymondg]

Construction in Charlottetown Booming
The Guardian, June 6th 2012

The construction industry appears to be booming in Charlottetown so far this year.

The value of permits issued to the end of May is $50 million compared to $28 million for the same period in 2011.

That puts the city corporation on pace to exceed the $100 million total for 2011.

"We are definitely having a good year for construction,'' said Coun. Rob Lantz, chair of the city's planning committee. "The average value for our building permits is up, indicating there are relatively more large projects.''

Some of those are government projects, but others are private commercial and retail.

"There seems to be an almost insatiable appetite for new apartment units in the city and we've got a new mixed-use condominium/commercial project about to break ground downtown any day now.''

As is always the case, there are other large developments being discussed that have not been permitted yet by the city corporation. If they go forward, they will add significantly to the city's numbers.

However, the demand is taking its toll on the city's planning department which finds itself understaffed in regards to dealing with all the applications rolling in.


The planning department has brought two employees from other city departments to help clear the backlog.

"We've recruited help from other departments and are actively looking to fill a senior role but that is a position that requires a very specialized skill set,'' Lantz said.

There will also be a review of the planning department's operations with an eye to best practices.

"(That is) so we can deliver the best planning services possible. It's a very important aspect for any successful and vibrant municipality.''

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