Construction activity is ahead of last year's pace in the Rural Municipality of Hanover.
Planning Manager Jeremy Neufeld says from January 1st through March 31st this year, the municipality issued 56 building permits, totalling $11.2 million. By comparison, the municipality issued 44 permits, worth a combined $9.4 million through the same period a year ago.
"January through March, it's always typically a bit of a slower period as we're coming out of our winter slumber," shares Neufeld. "But we have seen a stronger start this year than we did comparatively last year."
In terms of residential construction, there were 22 new housing starts in the first quarter this year, totalling $8.2 million. Those numbers are also ahead of last year's pace when there were 18 new housing starts for $5.6 million.
"So definitely things are a bit stronger this year during the same period compared to last year," adds Neufeld.
Of the 22 new housing starts this year, Blumenort and Mitchell led the way with six each. That is followed by five in the rural area, two in both Grunthal and Kleefeld, and one in New Bothwell.
Kleefeld's two new housing starts this year are down from six in the first quarter last year. Neufeld says Kleefeld is experiencing a slowdown as the result of available lots.
"The lots that are available are still able to be built on, but we are not creating any additional lots in Kleefeld until we have additional sewage capacity," notes Neufeld. "We're waiting on the RSR wastewater treatment plant for that."
Neufeld suggests it could be a few years before additional lots open in Kleefeld.
As for the other communities in Hanover, Neufeld says there is a large residential development in Grunthal that is starting to gain traction, while in Mitchell there are a number of additional lots that will be made available either later this year or next year. He adds New Bothwell has available lots, while Blumenort is starting to run low.
Meanwhile, Neufeld says it is difficult to forecast exactly what 2025 will look like for construction in Hanover. He notes we are living in unpredictable times. Having said that, Neufeld notes those in the industry including designers, builders, suppliers, and realtors are suggesting things look positive this year. And even with the uncertainty in our economy, Neufeld says Canada and Manitoba have always proven to be resilient.
"Our little corner of the country here has always proven to be very resilient and I'm confident that we will continue to do so in spite of what's going on at the global scale," he adds.