Housing starts are more than double what they were in 2013 and the year isn’t even over.
Statistics for the Town of Ponoka indicate positive numbers and planners are pleased with the results, says Stephen Novak, economic development officer. As of September 2014, there were 34 housing starts, compared to 16 for the entire 2013-year.
“When you look at the breakdown, you can tell that residential has increased and commercial has increased,” said Novak.
Determining if there is an upward trend may be difficult, but Novak feels the numbers are promising; in 2012 there were 18 housing starts valued at $4 million. Comparatively the 34 housing starts this year are valued at $8.2 million.
Commercial and industrial developments have seen growth with a combined value of $5.9 million in 2014. Development in the Southwest Industrial Park is a factor in those numbers. 2013 saw approximately $2.2 million in commercial and industrial developments.
“It’s positive. It’s looking good,” stated Novak.
Improvements at Diamond Willow Middle School and Ponoka Secondary Campus in 2013 saw $12.3 million in development.