Stephen Vance, Staff
A total of 307 building permits were issued by the Municipality of Meaford in 2015, an increase of more than 20 percent over the 253 permits issued the year prior. The building value for those 307 permits was in excess of $20 million, compared to $12.2 million in 2014, an increase of nearly 70 percent.
Included in the permits issued in 2015 were 24 new homes, seven multi-residential units, and 49 renovations.
Deputy Mayor Harley Greenfield was impressed with the significant increase in building activity, and he took the opportunity to take a friendly poke at those who suggest that Meaford has priced itself out of the market with respect to new development.
“A very strong report for 2015. The building started to increase just near the end of 2014, and it carried over into 2015. As you can see, $20.5 million is a considerable sum, this is very strong,” said Greenfield. “I think it indicates that the Municipality of Meaford, in spite of our high taxes – according to some people – and development charges which have been an impediment, it is a strong building report, and indicates that our municipality is very popular to build, live, and conduct business in.”
