Portage's home construction strong throughout 2009 recession

February 3, 2010
Portage Daily Graphic
Written by: Rob Swystun

Despite recession talk for the greater part of 2009, Portage la Prairie's building permit numbers told a different story.

"I was happy to see the numbers were consistent or better," said Kinelm Brooks, development officer/building inspector with the Portage la Prairie Planning District, which handles building permits for the City and Rural Municipality of Portage.

Last year saw 49 new single family dwelling permits issued for a total of just under $9 million compared to 41 in 2008 for a total of just over $7.2 million.

There were no double family dwelling permits issued, however, compared to five in 2008 but multi-family dwelling permits doubled in 2009 with four for a total value of just over $3.3 million compared to two for just over $1 million in 2008.

Home repair permits jumped to 230 from 200 with a total value of just over $3 million from just over $2.7 million for 2009 and 2008 respectively.

Mobile home permits quadrupled with 12 in 2009 worth just over $800,000 compared to three in 2008 worth just under $250,000.

Commercial permits did drop, which Brooks said goes in cycles from year to year but the value increased.
Last year saw seven commercial permits worth just under $5.5 million compared to 12 in 2008 for just over $5.1 million.

Industrial permits were the exact opposite of that with five issued in 2009 worth $54,000 compared to just one in 2008 worth $1.2 million.