Timmins construction stays strong through 2009: hesitation and hope emerging for 2010.

• Author: Stewart, Nick
• Position: TIMMINS

The global economic downturn failed to make much of a dent on Timmins' construction industry through 2009, which had another banner year.

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With $42.8 million in construction permits over the course of 2009, Timmins saw a "mild" drop from the previous year's total of $51.6 million, with 476 permits compared to 532, according to Timmins' chief building official, Esa Saarela.

Although figures are down somewhat, they still stand as a sign of positivity for the local economy, especially since many southern Ontario municipalities saw construction numbers drop by as much as 35 per cent, he says.

"It didn't really seem to hit us the way it's hit other places, so it didn't hurt as much as it could have," says Saarela. "We're really only down about 10 per cent in all figures, and we've done pretty good, considering."

Infrastructure-related work was also strong, with $100 million worth of projects supported by city money alongside funding from provincial and federal governments.

These include the replacement of the Barber's Bay Bridge, sewer work in the city's west end, and $8 million in municipal road work.

Home construction also remained relatively healthy through the year, though the numbers can be somewhat deceiving, says Saarela.

The number of new homes built in Timmins through 2009 dropped to 40 compared to the previous year of 54.

However, the dollar figure remained much the same, with $9.8 million from 2008's total of $10.7 million. Saarela says fewer homes are going up, but they're generally much larger. The same financial trend holds true for residential additions and alterations, which dropped from 313 permits to 301, although the dollar value rose from $3.7 million to $4.7 million.

The sheer strength of home renovation through the city in 2009 was something that certainly surprised many local firms, says Denis Lauzon, president of the Timmins Construction Association.

"We definitely had a blockbuster year, and we did not see that coming," says Lauzon, who also serves as engineering manager to Timmins Window & Door Manufacturing. "We were prepared to find other avenues for work, but we simply didn't have time. This next year, though, isn't really looking good for anyone."

Initially, there had been some expectation the spring would have been a busy one for companies like Lauzon's as consumers try to beat the June implementation of the harmonized sales tax (HST).

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