The city of Owen Sound saw a 34% increase in the number of building permits issued in 2021, compared to the year before. The value of construction in 2021 was $36,587,324.00
The City’s Building Division issued 273 permits (including building, plumbing, demolition, heritage and tents) totalling $430,811 in fees collected.
Highlights of building permits issued throughout 2021 include:
- Grey Bruce Health Services: GBHS Laundry Room, construction valued at $861,000.00 and renovations to Operating Room #7, construction valued at 313,850.00; totalling $1,174,850
- Health Canada Micro Cannabis Cultivation Operation, construction valued at $1,245,500
- Heritage Grove, buildings H and I, construction valued at $1,980,000
- 23-unit apartment ‘The Douglas’, construction valued at $5,800,000
- New Rectory at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, construction valued at $1,100,000
- Marina View 3-storey, 6-unit Life Lease development, construction valued at $2,700,000
- Demolition of the existing house and the build of a new 2-storey home at 3545 East Bayshore Rd, construction valued at $750,000
City staff issued 32 new business licences and eight new home occupation licenses in 2021.
- Hydrogen Optimized established operations in Owen Sound, occupying the 300,000 square foot former Tenneco plant.
- Makwa-Cahill LP retrofitted the former Leon’s Furniture building and opened a 26,000 square foot fully qualified indigenous fabrication company.
- Southbridge Long-Term Care facility construction continues to progress. Once completed, it will house 160 long-term care beds.
- Council completed the sale of the Billy Bishop Regional Airport to Clayton Smith.
A media release from the city said 2022 will see the development of a Growth and Investment Framework Strategy. It will be a refreshed look at Owen Sound’s economic strengths, investment opportunities and assets during this period of growth.
“While construction values fluctuate annually, the number of building permits issued and the increase in pre-consultation applications by developers indicate that growth and investment attraction will continue to trend in a positive direction. We are thankful for our long-standing business community and manufacturers in challenging times and welcome our new investors,” said Mayor Ian Boddy
