Construction activity in North Bay hit its second-highest total on record in 2019.

The City of North Bay announced on January 9 that the year-end building permit totals of $93.3 million were more than 43 percent better than 2018’s total of $65 million, and the highest value recorded since 2006.

“We are pleased with how we ended the year. Council has been focused on growth and the second highest construction year on record is a positive indicator for our economy,” said Mayor Al McDonald. “We’re looking forward to another strong year of building construction in 2020.”

Residential, commercial and industrial construction values were all up year over year in 2019 compared to 2018.

The year closed with commercial building permits totaling approximately $45.5 million, compared to $17.4 million in 2018. Two key permits issued in that sector included one worth $23 million for the Cascades Casino North Bay, and another worth $8 million for construction of the 60,000-square-foot Fairfield Hotel.

Industrial building permits totaling $12.7 million were up by approximately $1.6 million over 2018. The largest permit issued in that sector was valued at $6.3 million for the construction of the Norgalv hot-dip galvanizing plant.

Meanwhile, residential construction came in at approximately $22.5 million, an increase of more than $7.8 million compared to the previous year. The largest-valued permit in that sector was worth $5.4 million for construction of an expansion to the Marina Point assisted-living facility.

The residential figure represents a total of 96 new dwelling units, including 33 single family dwellings, nine semi-detached units, three duplexes and 51 townhouse or apartment units.

Miscellaneous and institutional building permit values were the only ones to drop in value in the city in 2019. Those sectors recorded $10.6 million and $1.97 respectively, compared to $19.6 million and $2.18 million. The city issued one permit worth $3.1 million for construction of the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board’s Community Hub.