City construction activity decline nearly two-thirds

Construction in Moose Jaw did not generate much activity or jobs in the first eight months of the year.

Building values to the end of August sit at $11.7 million – a 64 per cent drop from last year’s $32.78 million, according to city hall building permit data. August, the last good month of weather for construction, contributed plenty to the decline with a reduction of $7.57 million to $1.53 million. Construction last August included $4.5 million for the retail complex where the Sobey’s liquor store is located and $1.42 million for a new McDonald’s fast food outlet on Thatcher Drive East. Fewer new homes also contributed to less construction. Only 14 new homes were started this year valued at $4.56 million. In 2017 by August 31, there were 34 new homes worth $12.54 million — an $8 mil- lion decline

New homes this year average 12 per cent less in value at $326,000 compared with $368,000 in 2017.

No new homes were started in August while four were started last August. Major permits for the month included $100,000 for the Royal Bank in the Civic Centre Plaza, $60,000 for alterations at 602 High Street West and $180,000 for building at No.6, 1253 Main Street North in the Civic Centre Plaza.

Plans for a $12.5 million Canadian Tire development have not been started. Nor has a major overhaul of the Town ’N’ Country Mall started. Nor has the $50 million pea processing plant started.

Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@ sasktel.net