Whether it's an addition or just renovations, Ontario is witnessing a boom in residential building permits.
Total residential building permits jumped 15 per cent last year over 2020, which saw an increase of nine per cent from the year before.
Windsor placed in the top five in Southwestern Ontario with an increase of 13 per cent, 1,370 over 1,209 in 2020. Lakeshore's jump was even higher at 20 per cent, while in Chatham-Kent, permits were up 28 per cent.
The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation released data on Monday regarding the increase.
When it came to the highest percentage increase in home renovations and additions, Essex was third highest in the province. Permits to renovate were up 169 per cent as 35 projects got underway last year.
The number of permits to install new swimming pools in Amherstburg jumped 119 per cent. Construction started on 79 in that town, up from 35 the year before.
Across Ontario, MPAC says residential home improvement permits rose to nearly 70,000 or an 18 per cent increase. These include renovations, swimming pools, sheds, garages, and decks.
"COVID-19 restrictions were likely a major factor again, with people focused on their home because they were spending so much more time there," explained Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Carmelo Lipsi.
