The city's planning department is reporting a drop in construction activity in the city for 2021, but more private sector investment. - News Photo Collin Gallant
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant
Multi-family housing and larger commercial projects kept construction totals up in 2022, while new home and renovations faltered, according to year-end figures.
The City of Medicine Hat’s planning, building and development service counter reports that over all categories, 664 permits issued in the past 12 months were attached to estimates of $75.5 million.
That’s about 200 fewer, and $21 million less than in 2021, but without about $30 million less in institutional spending for a Medicine Hat College expansion, and municipal and provincial building upgrades.
New and renovated commercial projects rose steeply in 2022, however, with a combined $27 million in work, including the renovation of the Safeway at Medicine Hat Mall, pushing the total well above the 2021 mark of $12 million.
New-build residential spending rose 28 per cent when all types were considered, but the mix shifted to multiple unit projects and with major spending on condo and apartment-styles.
Single family home starts fell to 38 in 2022, down from 51 in the previous year, and the average price attached to a new home permit also fell to $365,450. That is down about 6 per cent, year-to-year. Such estimates are based largely on square footage and do not include land.
Duplex projects grew, however, with 14 worth $44.2 million, up from 10 worth $2.5 million in 2021, with tri- and four-plex class more than doubling to five projects, averaging about $1 million each.
A dozen apartment and condo construction permits were also issued, creating 60 units at a total cost of $9.4 million. That marks a five-fold increase in both cost and units over 2021.
New garage permits fell a third, but maintained 80 per cent of value with 58 builds costing $1.5 million.
Larger renovation permits (those requiring electrical, plumbing or major structural work) also fell from peaks of 2020 and 2021.
Last year 365 permits were let with estimates totalling $4.8 million, down about 30 per cent.
