Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Welland issued 1,108 building permits in 2021, a significant jump from 767 in 2020.
A total of 759 were for new dwelling unit starts last year.
The construction value for all 2021 buildings permits is about $245 million, a 22 per cent increase from the estimated construction value for the $200.1 million value for 767 permits issued in 2020.
“What these 2021 numbers represent is a strength in the city’s economy and the confidence people have in making Welland a preferred destination for their homes and businesses,” said Grant Munday, director of planning and development services.
“We knew coming out of the pandemic that numbers would naturally increase, but the types of permits issued, especially when it comes to apartments and other options for housing, tells you where the city is heading in its growth.”
Residential growth in the city’s built-up area finished at 85 per cent, a 10 per cent increase over the previous year. Built-up growth occurs in areas where municipal services and development already exist, helping the City and Region achieve economies of scale in service delivery and reduce urban sprawl.
Welland collects development charges on building permits at the date of issuance and charges go toward recovering growth-related costs associated with the capital infrastructure needed to service new development and redevelopment within the City.
Some notable developments in Welland in 2021:
- 4-storey, 103 unit apartment building at 300 South Pelham Road
- 6-storey, 137 unit apartment building at 699 Niagara Street
- 37 unit townhouse development on the south-east corner of Broadway and Perenack Avenue (former Broadway School Site)
- 108 lot subdivision on the north-west corner of Webber Road and South Pelham Road (known Sparrow Meadows Phase 7)
- 98 lot subdivision on the north side of Sauer Avenue, west of Bradley Avenue (known as Waterways Commons Phase 2)
It is anticipated that in 2022, totals will exceed last year in many categories.
