In 2022, the Town of Huntsville received 757 building permit applications, of those, 674 permits were approved with an estimated total construction value of almost $130 million—a decrease from 2021 but still well beyond the municipality’s projections.
“This is generally due to the newer trend of multi-residential upscale buildings, and an increase in commercial development, as well as an increase in project values,” according to a report compiled for Huntsville’s General Committee earlier this month by Chief Building Official Chris Nagy.
Nagy indicated that while building permits were down, construction values were up due to increases to construction costs partly related to the pandemic.
A chart of building permits issued by the Town of Huntsville over the past five years:
According to the report, the 674 building permits issued in 2022 were for 153 new permanent and seasonal dwelling units; 4 apartment buildings consisting of a total of 90 units, and 8 commercial/industrial buildings, which generated revenues of an estimated $1.37 for the municipality in permit fees, according to Nagy.
Under affordable housing, only one grant was sought— a rebate of $2,500.
Councillor Helena Renwick wanted to know why the program has such little uptake. “We have been directed at the staffing level to review that program and we are looking to bring something back…,” said Nagy. Treasurer for the Town Julia McKenzie added that through changes to Bill 23, there have been changes to the Development Charges Act related to attainable and affordable housing. “We’re waiting for the Ministry to come out with a bulletin to provide us with those parameters,” she said. “Once we get that then we can bring something back to update that program but we are waiting for that piece because that will significantly change how we administer that program.”
Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock said she’s always blown away by Huntsville’s construction activity. “I feel like Huntsville sort of stands alone in some respects with all of this activity in all sectors.”
As of 2021, the majority of the Town of Huntsville’s building permit applications were submitted through its Cloudpermitting system.
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I bought building lot about 15 years ago
For a place I can bring my children
To enjoy there time growing up
Around Mary lake. We are around Mary lake
We go every weekend. When we ask if
We can build. And apply for a building
Permit. The town says I gave to open the
Road on top of the hill. The town won’t
Eaven let us build as a seasonal cottage
While everywhere cottage around me
Has built and it is seasonal with no winter
Snow plow. ?
Good morning council Renwick, re Affordable Housing. Our son benefited from the previous AH plan around 2006.
Any one who has tried the existing AHP finds that the cost to build to it’s requirements far exceeds the $2500 benefit.
With increases in Development fees, cost of land. Etc is an AHP even feasible?
The other issue is that reasonable priced houses are being bought and turned into ABB’s
Good luck
George