The RPGA Planning District is reporting 2024 was a positive year for development permits issued.
"When you look back at the averages, 2024 was the same was 2022 and 2021. 2023 was a bit of a spike that skewed the numbers but, otherwise, I would say things are bouncing back and going back to normal," explained Lucie Maynard, RPGA Planning District General Manager.
According to the organization's recent annual report, 49 permits were issued in the Town of Altona last year, for a total of $12 million dollars. That's down about half from 2023 that saw a value of $24.8 million dollars.
Maynard attributes this decline to no subdivisions being approved in 2024.
"I assume that's just developers trying to build and get rid of their stock before adding anything new," she said.
In the Municipality of Rhineland however, there were 87 permits worth $35 million, compared to the $16 million-$19 million in previous years.
"We saw a lot of development in the Ag Park West," said Maynard. "Out of the rural permits, Plum Coulee came in second with the highest number of permits. There's a lot of lots being filled up there."
A positive outlook
While we're only two months into 2025, Maynard is optimistic for what the year has in store.
"Last year at this time we issued four permits for a value of sixty-five thousand. This year, for January, I issued five (permits) at one-point-four million (dollars) so, I think we're in for another very progressive year."
She noted, however, this depends on how the U.S. tariff threats will affect the market.
"But, so far, people have a lot of plans for 2025, and I've had lots of calls and they're hoping to start work in Spring and Summer, so I think they still plan to go ahead."
A year of changes
The past year was also one of changes within the organization.
Maynard came on board in July, replacing Tanya Waddell who went on become Chief Financial Officer for the Municipality of Rhineland.
As well, the organization struck a deal that saw it start out-sourcing all building inspections to the MSTW Planning District. The goal was to provide a more consistent, professional approach to development in the area.
"Both parties are happy with the way things are going," said Maynard. "I haven't heard any negative thoughts from the contractors coming in wanting to pull contracts. They seem very familiar with MSTW so, it's kind of business as usual."
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Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, the RPGA has hired Landmark Planning and Design to conduct a full review of its development plan, a process that is expected to take about a year.
"It sets your designations like your housing areas, village clusters and it sets the standard for subdivisions and agricultural policies to make them compatible and not conflict with one another," explained Maynard. "Planning out where we think we see growth."
She expects a series of public consultations to be held this Fall in order to gain insight into what residents are thinking as well.