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Rocky View County recorded a total of $274.7 million in construction projects in 2011.
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Value of construction in Rocky View on the rise

Jan 30, 2012 06:00 am | Trevor Bacque

With a $37-million increase in total construction projects from 2010, Rocky View County had a bounceback year in 2011.

More than $105 million stems from industrial projects, up from $17 million the year before.

“In 2012, we’re going to see a lot of continued growth in east Balzac, both large and small,” said Dave Kalinchuk, the County’s economic development officer.

The area is so popular due to its proximity to Highway 2, the Calgary International Airport, the city of Calgary and its ring road, Stoney Trail, he added.

“We’ve invested a lot in water and waste water infrastructure and the whole east Balzac area is well serviced,” said Kalinchuk.

The most recent big stakes’ development is a 1.3-million square foot distribution centre for Target, east of CrossIron Mills.

More than 200,000 square feet will be devoted to multiple industrial projects including warehouses, transfer and recycling buildings, a taco chip manufacturing plant and fabrication shops.

“The Calgary region is becoming a hub for warehousing and logistics,” said Kalinchuk.

Warren Chandler with CN Railway said the decision to build its Logistics Park in Conrich made sense for multiple reasons.

“Not only was the site adjacent to the (existing) CN line, but also to major road arteries like Stoney Trail and the flat terrain,” he said. “The site is strategically located.”

The experience of working with County officials during the planning phase was “very positive,” he added.

Soon, County officials will let residents know of other new projects, Kalinchuk said. A major U.S. courier service is currently developing in the County as is an Ontario-based Mexican food processor.

“These are pretty sizeable investments,” said Kalinchuk, adding councillors have shown leadership and made good investment calls over the years.

“We’re very competitive place to do business,” said Balzac councillor Lois Habberfield. “Some of the urban centres have become quite expensive.”

Habberfield said the County’s development will also help adjacent cities and counties.

“We use that tax base to benefit our urban neighbours,” she said. “We’re not trying to steal business away.”

The report is issued annually.

Construction values

Here is a list of the value of developments in Rocky View County since 2009:

Residential:

2011 - $117,336,286

2010 - $158,752,474

2009 - $115,515,400

Accessory dwelling units:

2011 - $1,110,100

2010 - $1,283,100

2009 – No data

Residential additions/renos:

2011 - $18,455,640

2010 - $24,430,927

2009 - $24,751,798

Garage/shed:

2011 - $4,540,309

2010 - $3,132,251

2009 - $2,661,796

Commercial:

2011 - $17,606,901

2010 - $16,444,399

2009 - $78,303,488

Industrial:

2011 - $105,034,006

2010 - $17,296,341

2009 - $56,572,375

Institutional:

2011 - $10,623,150

2010 - $15,679,800

2009 - $1,102,100

Agricultural:

2011 – No data

2010 – No data

2009 - $160,000

Total value:

2011 - $274,706,392

2010 - $237,019,292

2009 - $279,066,957

Total building permits:

2011 – 750

2010 – 842

2009 – 948

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