64 per cent of homes in Nanaimo in 2021 to receive building permits contained secondary suites. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)
steady construction

‘We’re looking at a very strong year going forward:’ construction remains brisk throughout Nanaimo

Mar 9, 2022 | 7:02 PM

NANAIMO — Construction activity is expected to remain constant in the Harbour City following another strong year.

During a Monday, March 7 presentation the City’s director of development approvals Jeremy Holm told councillors $271 million worth construction value of all forms received building permits last year, including 674 residential units.

In the first two months of this year, $96 million worth of construction began in Nanaimo, which Holm called very significant.

“We’re looking at a very strong year going forward. Obviously there’s a lot going on in the world, but at this point in time we’re expecting a lot of construction activity to continue through the year,” Holm said.

About 220 new single-family and multi-family residential units received building permits in Nanaimo in 2021, which is below average for a community facing continued demand for housing.

Holm noted 64 per cent of single-family homes to receive a building permit last year had a secondary suite, in line with recent averages.

Residential construction of all forms took place in all areas of Nanaimo, while multi-family builds tended to concentrate around commercial urban nodes.

Development approvals issued or under review indicate increased construction activity in Nanaimo in the months and years ahead is likely. (City of Nanaimo)

Various institutional building permits increased in Nanaimo last year, featuring a $21 million dollar building permit awarded at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.

A new new two-storey intensive care unit at NRGH is slated to open in 2023.

Other big ticket projects to get started last year was a $12.3 million addition to Hammond Bay Elementary School, which is slated to be completed this summer.

2019 set a record with $445 milllion worth of projects to receive building permits.

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