The arrival of spring saw a boost in construction activity in Sarnia month-over-month.
During the month of March, the city issued a total of 30 building permits, up from 20 in February.
Last month's permits, valued at just over $4.1 million, bring the year-to-date total to just under $14 million. That is down from just over $16.2 million in the first quarter of 2024.
The largest of the permits was for $2.5 million to install a pre-engineered steel building on Vidal Street South on the TransAlta Industrial Site. It will house the new Reverse Osmosis Water Purification System that supplies water to the steam generation boilers.
Permits for construction of new base buildings for retail stores on Confederation Street behind McDonald's were also issued worth a combined total of over $2 million.
The city also issued a permit to the County of Lambton for $800,000 for the renovation of tenant space at the Research Park for the new EMS headquarters, approved during budget deliberations.
The monthly stats also include a $543,000 permit for work at the Water Pollution Control Centre at St. Andrew's Street for the replacement of handrails, stairs and the spiral staircase as well as alterations to the electrical light standards.
One permit was issued for single-family dwellings in March, bringing the year-to-date total for new homes to two.
