The City of Cranbrook has seen a strong increase in building permits issued in the first six months of 2025 compared to last year.
The city has issued 108 building permits so far this year. In the first half of 2024, 99 were issued.
While the number of permits isn’t that far apart, the permit value is drastically different.
Last year’s permit value through six months was $14,962,005.50, while this year is $35,559,381.85.
The project with the most value is an apartment development on 4th Street North, with a value of $10.65 million.
“Much of this development activity comes on the heels major policy and bylaw updates that this Council has implemented recently to help support development activity, such as the OCP update, the Downtown Revitalization Master Plan, and Housing Needs Assessments,” said Mayor Wayne Price.
“Council has also most recently adopted Revitalization Tax Exemption bylaws for the Downtown area and Victoria Avenue corridor, which we understand is now seeing some strong interest with permit activity and meetings on potential developments, which is great news!”
A total of eight subdivisions have been approved in 2025 includes 43 new housing lots in Shadow Mountain as well as a resubmission for another 23 lots in Shadow Mountain from a previously expired application.
There are also subdivisions underway on 1st Avenue South overlooking Elizabeth Lake, new townhomes going in near St. Mary’s School and the Southwood Heights development by New Dawn Developments up 4th Avenue South.
City staff said the influx has caused some slight delays in permit turnaround.
“We know that this increased development and permit activity has caused some minor increases in permit turnaround times,” said engineering and development services director Mike Matejka.
“It is important to recognize that current wait times for building and land use permitting is still very advantageous compared to most similar sized communities, and we continue to work diligently with builders, developers, and other stakeholders to improve communications and permitting processes.”
To help speed up the permit process, the city will be upgrading the development guide later this year to help clarify requirements.
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