The Town of Amherstburg’s building activity surpassed $162 million last year, according to its building department.
A report from chief building official Angelo Avolio appeared on the agenda for town council’s most recent meeting and noted the construction value of all projects within Amherstburg was $162,983,355.
“The building department issued 363 building permits with an approximate construction value of over $162 million. The permits issued consist of single-family dwellings, semi-detached dwellings, residential units, additions, garages, commercial, industrial, institutional, swimming pool enclosures and decks,” said Avolio. “A total of 97 new residential units have been created which consist of 61 single family dwellings, 12 semi-detached units and 24 additional residential units (ARU’s).”
According to Avolio’s report, non-residential applications had “a significant increase” last year. He indicated there were increases in the commercial developments on Sandwich St., a concrete plant, expansion to the greenhouse facilities and the new long-term care facility at the corner of Richmond St. and Fryer St.
The 363 permits issued was a 27.8 per cent increase over 2023, which saw 284 permits issued. The construction value of over $162 million was a 149 per cent increase over the 2023 total construction value of approximately $65 million, Avolio noted in his report.
Over 2,200 building inspections were performed throughout the year, this averages to approximately nine inspections per day, he noted. Avolio said the staffing with the building department consists of himself, the deputy chief building official, senior building official, junior building official, building clerk and a part-time development service technician who is shared between the building department and the planning department.
Avolio said revenue from permits in 2024 was approximately $1.4 million while the town collected roughly $3 million in development charges.
There were 24 commercial permits issued in 2024 with nine institutional, four industrial and three agricultural permits also issued. Avolio’s report also listed 61 single-detached units in 2024, 24 additional dwelling units, 12 semi-detached dwellings, and one lodging home.
Among the other permits issued were 39 pool enclosures, 29 garages, 28 renovations, 23 additions to residents, 22 septic sewage system, 15 tents, 14 decks, 11 signs, ten back water valve subsidies, nine home demolitions, eight demolitions of other properties, five covered porches, four barns/agricultural buildings, three gazebos/pergolas, three plumbing projects, one shed and one solar panel project.
Councillor Peter Courtney asked how the $162 million in construction value would translate into new taxation. Treasurer Tracy Prince said it depends on residential, commercial and/or industrial changes and she noted there are other costs that go along with it including new roads and sidewalks to clear. Courtney requested an e-mail so he can relate to taxpayers on how the growth can impact their tax bills.
Mayor Michael Prue called it “extraordinary growth.”
“People have asked me and I say this town is on fire in a good way,” he said. “Industries, businesses, they all want to come here.”
Prue wanted to know what the plan is regarding revenue, specifically whether to lower taxation or put it in reserves. Prince said MPAC valuation could be up to two years out, adding they do try to capture some of that in budgeting while there have also been surpluses.
Town sees $162 million in construction value in 2024
By Ron Giofu
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