Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Welland is experiencing another record-breaking year for building permits, including a range of housing options.
During the first quarter of 2022, 173 permits were issued, including 309 new dwelling units in the city.
Officials say the numbers being driven by various types of housing units under construction, consisting predominately of apartments, condominiums, and accessory dwellings, options for non-traditional housing units. Townhouses and single-detached houses makeup only a small portion of the residential growth expected in 2022.
“The number of permits issued to date is surprising only because the first quarter is generally slower due to the weather and ability to begin construction,” said Grant Munday, director of planning and development services.
“These numbers indicate that 2022 will be another strong year for the city in terms of growth in our community.” Welland collects development charges on building permits at the date of issuance with fees going toward recovering growth-related costs associated with the capital infrastructure needed to service new development and redevelopment.
A seven-storey residential condominium planned along the Welland Recreation Canal, includes 226 units and contributed $29.5 million to the overall building permit construction value.
Permits issued to date represent over $55 million. Last year, building permits issued were valued at over $236 million, generated through the construction start of 759 dwelling units of various types.
According to staff, the numbers to March 31, 2022, show planning and development services have a “full slate of applications” to review.
