Building permit applications in the Regional District of Nanaimo are up to 183 in the first quarter of 2025, compared to 142 during the same period last year..
The RDN issued 96 permits, which equates to an eight per cent increase over the first quarter of 2024 but still a 23 per cent drop from quarter one in 2023.
Construction value is up from the first three months of 2025, totalling $24,578,430, which represents a 31 per cent hike over the $18,749,054 figures registered in the same period in 2024.
Lexie Boekenkruger, acting manager of RDN building inspection service, reported non-residential permits such as commercial and industrial construction make up a smaller share of the total permit volume but do carry a significant construction and permit value.
"The projects are often complex and resource intensive but they're a strong indicator of economic activity in our region. So it's nice to see an increase." said Boekenkruger, who presented the report at the Electorial Area Services Committee earlier in June..
In the first quarter of 2025, the RDN issues 10 non-residential permits with a construction value of $3,069,590. Electoral Area E (Nanoose Bay) saw permits go up to 22 from 15 last year.
As for non-residential permits, the number has is up to 39 this year from 17 last year.
The commercial industrial applications more than doubled from 17 in 2023 to 39.
The permit processing time for the first quarter of 2025 has fluctuated between six and 10 weeks. It has, however, increased, said Boekenkruger, as they are dealing with a significant backlog of applications and also staff shortages.
