Brantford sets record for building permits in 2021

Brantford issued a record $472 million in building permits for 2021, topping the previous mark of $255.2 million set in 2020.

Of the 1,508 permits issued last year, 529 were for residential construction valued at $171.6 million. In all 1,023 housing units were created, including 468 single-detached homes. Also, 98 new apartment units, 10 duplexes or semis and 367 townhouses were created.

Industrial construction activity was also robust, jumping from $48.2 million in 2020 to $120.8 million in 2021.

Major projects last year include:

• A $69.2-million permit for a new warehouse for Hershey Canada Inc. at 1 Bowery Road in the Northwest Business Park;
• A $19.5-million permit issued for an eight-storey apartment and mixed used building at 7 Erie Ave., owned by 1821154 Ontario Ltd.
• A $17.9-million permit for site servicing and foundation only for The Landing, a new condo building at Fairview Drive and Wayne Drive.
• An $18-million permit to alter a Craig Street building for Upfield Canada, a maker of margarine and vegan cheese, which moved its Canadian production facility to Brantford from Etobicoke, Ont.

In 2021, the city issued 104 commercial permits valued at $33.8 million and 24 institutional permits worth $3.3 million.