The Mayor for Ritchot says the municipality is off to a "rocket" of a start when it comes to construction activity.
In the first quarter of 2025, the municipality issued more building permits than during the same period of 2024. By the end of March this year, 29 permits were issued worth a combined $8.7 million. That is up from the same timeframe a year ago when there were 27 permits worth a combined $4.5 million issued.
"I generously predicted that we'd see a stronger building year for 2025, and I nailed it on the head," says Chris Ewen.
Ewen notes they are seeing all types of construction this year in all corners of the municipality.
"It's going to be a strong, full year," says Ewen. "I genuinely believe that."
Ewen suggests there are a few reasons why construction has picked up. First of all, he says the municipality is ready for development.
"I think you can ask the average developer, and our red tape is so limited and so fine that it's easy to start in Ritchot," he says. "And the turnaround time to get a permit is very quick."
Not only that, but Ewen says Ritchot is very fortunate to have a strong administration that makes it inviting for developers wanting to build. He adds another factor is that there are a lot of projects that have been in the works for a while, that are now starting to see some action.
Ewen says Ritchot is open for business and Council wants to make sure that opportunities exist, both for residents and businesses.
"We really want to give anyone the opportunity," he says. "We love to see the growth and we want to make sure it's sustainable, and the right kind of growth, and so far, it has been."
Meanwhile, Ewen says he believes that the first quarter of 2025 is a strong indication of the type of year it will be in the municipality.
"I think we're going to see positive numbers in each quarter," he says. "And I think it's going to be one of our bigger years in my time as Mayor."