Building permits in Redcliff way down, though value of work did rise

Posted on February 1, 2024 by Ryan Dahlman

Southern Alberta Newspapers

Only one new home was built in Redcliff last year, figures from the town’s planning commission show, as the number of building projects slowed in 2023, though the estimated value of work did rise.

Two residential structures were permitted in the 12 previous months, town council was told Jan. 22, including the reconstruction of a duplex destroyed by fire.

That is compared to an average of four residential projects per year since 2019 and a recent high of 17 in 2016.

Analysis included in the information package suggests the slowdown is part of a larger trend in the southeast region.

Industrial and commercial permits that peaked at 17 in 2022, fell to seven last year.

The total estimated value of the construction is pegged at $10 million, about one-third above the 10-year average.

Of 87 development permit applications received, 59 related to small modifications, like sheds or hot tub installations. Changes to the town’s land-use bylaw this year will reduce the need for permitting those styles of projects and should reduce the number of total projects in the future.