Private-sector construction in Prince George hit a record-setting high over the course of 2016.
Building permits for an unprecedented $122.5 million worth of work were taken out over the year, city hall said. Until now, the value had never exceeded $120 million.
“According to our digital records at city hall, which go back to 1990, 2016 was a record year in a very positive way for Prince George’s economy,” said the city’s economic development manager, Melissa Barcellos.
Work on residential projects led the way at $72.6 million, based on 143 permits for single-family homes, 36 secondary suites and 14 duplexes. Commercial projects contributed $46.4 million. Major projects there included the $13.4 million Inland Kenworth building at the corner of Highway 97 South and Boundary Road in the Prince George Global Logistics Park.
A permit for $11 million worth of work on the Marriott Courtyard hotel was taken out in July. That project is worth $35 million.
Work on five new industrial ventures added another $3.6 million.
In addition, the city saw 446 new businesses established, and more than $100,000 in grants awarded for projects totalling $750,000, and facade improvements on 17 downtown businesses.
“At each meeting over the past year, council has looked at the building permit numbers and remarked at how well the city has been performing,” Mayor Lyn Hall said in the statement.
