Lots of construction in Kentville

By Brent Fox

The Advertiser/NovaNewsNow.com

The Shiretown continued to experience an increase in building permit values in August, while the municipality held its own.

Multi-family housing was a factor in Kentville’s figures last month, while single-family and commercial construction continued in the municipality.

Last month, the Kentville Planning and Development Department issued permits with a total value of $1,665,440, for a fiscal year-to-date tally of $11,494,570.

The department issued four permits last month for single-family housing construction, for a fiscal year-to-date tally of 13, and four apartments, for 41 -- for residential totals of eight and 60 units, respectively.

The value break down was $879,600 for single-units and $478,400 for multi-family construction.

During the same periods last year the figures were four and 14 single units; six duplexes; and four and 21 total residential units.

Kings County Community Development Services statistics

Kentville contracts to the municipality for building inspection and permit administration.

Meanwhile, in the municipality, Community Development Services statistics show permits values at $7,015,790, for a fiscal year-to-date tally of $37,391,850, compared to $8,577,980 and $39,509,621, respectively for the same periods last year.

Single-family housing projects accounted fro $4,569,220 of August’s values, while commercial projects came in at $1,226,100.

The department issued permits last month for construction of 19 single-family units, for a fiscal year-to-date total of 78 units; two duplexes, for a total of 10; no apartments, for 30; two mini-home placements, for eight; and a total residential tally of 23 and 126.

The department approved 25 subdivision plans last month for a total of 62; and 29 and 104 lots. Last year’s respective totals were 13 and 83 plans, and 17 and 128 lots.

Major industrial, commercial, and institutional projects for which the department issued building permits last month include: a $776,100 commercial structure in New Minas; a $450,000 commercial structure in Avonport; a $300,000 industrial structure in Greenwood; a $128,000 agricultural structure in north Berwick; a $76,500 commercial renovation in Kingston; a $16,000 agricultural structure in west Berwick; and a $11,520 agricultural structure in Wallbrook.

This month’s respective tallies constitute the second or third highest so far this decade for monthly estimates – almost tied with August, 2005, with August, 2006, being the top total.

As well, the fiscal year-to-date total is second to last year’s.

The Town of Berwick had permit values last month total $37,110, for a fiscal year-to-date tally or $252,650.

This is compared to $178,520 and $927,020 respectively.