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Construction drops off dramatically in Kincardine, but fairly busy in Huron-Kinloss
By Liz Dadson

Kincardine council/Huron-Kinloss council

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Construction is down considerably in the Municipality of Kincardine, but it's fairly busy in Huron-Kinloss Township.

Kincardine started 2012 with very little in the way of major projects. The building report for January showed five permits issued with a total construction value of $89,200.

Last year, in January, there were eight permits issued, with a value of over $1-million.

Meanwhile, in Huron-Kinloss, chief building official Matt Farrell said it was a busier January than in previous years.

The township building report showed seven permits issued, with a total construction value of $278,000. Of these, one was for a Mennonite house, valued at $50,000.

Last year, in January, there was only one permit issued, with a value of $348,000.

Township council also approved an increase in building permit fees.

In his report, Farrell indicated that it's been five years since these fees were last reviewed. When compared to neighbouring municipalities, the township was at the low end of the scale, he said. That may have resulted from the other municipalities having altered their fee structure last year.

In addition, Farrell noted that the township is taking over administration and enforcement of private sewage systems. For that reason, he recommended adding to the building bylaw, requirements for sewage permit applications.

He also asked that the bylaw be amended to recognize the new Ontario Building Code requirements for occupancy inspections and requirements for considering a permit application complete.

 
Among the increases to building permit fees are the following:
  • Single family residential and additions, multi-residential, commercial - to 55 cents/square foot, from 45 cents/square foot
  • Bunker and tower silos - to $150, from $100
  • Steel granaries - to $100, from $75
  • Swimming pools - to $75, from $60
  • All renovations - to $50 plus $7/$1,000 construction costs, from $30 plus $6/$1,000 construction costs
  • Demolition permit - to $50, from $30
  • Minimum permit fee - to $50 from $30
Initially, Farrell had the New Mobile Home and Park Model Trailer fee increased to 35 cents/square foot, from 30 cents/square foot.

However, council suggested that this fee be increased to the same as the other residential fees - 55 cents/square foot.

"I can make that change," said Farrell. "Most of them are full-time residential anymore." The fee changes were later approved by council.

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Thursday, March 01, 2012