November was another disappointing month for business permits in Prince George.
Last month, 22 permits were issued worth a combined $3.4 million.
“It’s really heartening because from here we can only go up, there is no further down,” said Councillor Garth Frizzell.
“I know that during November and December construction eases off, and we can’t expect to see the numbers climbing up.”
Director of Planning and Development Deanna Wasnik said they hope to be on the uptick in 2024.
“That possibly could be encouraged by things like housing incentives, that when are announced, hopefully the City of Prince George is a recipient of some dollars to put towards housing that could perhaps spur some building permits, whether they’re for a single family or multiple family,” she said.
Wasnik noted the city is still waiting to hear back on an application to the Federal Government’s Housing Accelerator Fund.
“All across the country we’re hearing good news stories, so we’ll keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best,” Frizzell added.
The 2023 lull followed several years of “record breaking” numbers in Prince George.
“Being down $99 million is a disappointing way to end 2023, economists are projecting this will continue into midway of 2024 as well,” said Councillor Cori Ramsay.
“It is disappointing after having multiple record breaking years in a row.”
2022 was the biggest year for building permits in Prince George, as the city issued 476 permits worth a combined $251.7 million.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].