Mayor Kelly predicts a billion dollars in permits this year

(January 5, 2012) Halifax–Mayor Peter Kelly predicts that 2012 will see the value of development permits issued in the Halifax Regional Municipality hit a billion dollars, topping the impressive figures achieved in 2011.

“Last year was a record-setting one, especially in terms of residential and commercial permits,” Mayor Kelly said Thursday. “I believe that this year will be even more impressive.”

The value of all development permits issued in HRM in 2011 was almost $795 million compared to $779 million in 2010. Last year, residential permits set a strong pace with a value of $512 million ($503 million in 2010) while commercial stood at $233 million ($188 million in 2010).

Mayor Kelly said his optimism for 2012 was well founded. “The new year is only a few days old and already we have issued development permits worth almost $6 million,” he said. The Mayor added that he is aware of several major projects which are under consideration. He also noted that a recent news story reported a local developer is planning a series of residential and commercial projects on the Peninsular valued at $100 million. The story quoted the developer as saying he had made his plans, before the announcement of Halifax Shipyard winning the $25-billion federal shipbuilding contract.

“This is further evidence of the ongoing confidence that the private sector has in HRM,” Mayor Kelly said. “We continue to build on a solid foundation for a vibrant and sustainable future.”

Contact: Mayor Peter Kelly
(902)-490-4010