TRURO - The value of construction in Truro last year was in the millions of dollars, although it did decrease slightly from the previous year.
Ken MacLeod, the town's building inspector and development officer, told the Truro Daily News construction projects equalled about $10 million and there were 204 permits in 2012. That compares to $13 million ($59 million including Rath EastLink Community Centre construction) in 2011 and $15 million ($190 million including the Colchester East Hants Health Centre commitments) in 2010.
Permits include new construction, renovations, repairs and additions.
"That's pretty good," said MacLeod of the multi-units, single and family unit and commercial developments.
"It's cyclical and $10 million is an average ... we might be a little ahead of other towns" of the same size.
He said new housing on Upham Drive, the beginning of a new Dollarama by Wal-Mart and a multi-unit residence on Wynn Park were some of the construction highlights last year.
MacLeod said 2013 "looks like a promising year" with early projects comprising of the opening of the new Dollarama, residential units on Upham Drive and Wood Street and the potential of development along Alice Street, to name a few.
He also reminds people just how important construction is for a town.
"It adds to the local economy. I don't think people understand how much (because) most times they just see the finished product. It brings in suppliers, jobs and people move to the community," MacLeod said.
mchiasson@trurodaily.com
