Building activity is beginning to take off again in Steinbach after an eighteen month slowdown. $9 million in permits were issued in April bringing the total to $12.1 million year-to-date. Mayor Chris Goertzen says it's shaping up to be a significant year for growth.

"April has been a busy month. We had a lot of new permits come through. We're past $12 million already this year. We expect to see a number of other big projects coming down the line in the next two months. So we're going to see a lot of construction in the city and it's really encouraging to have that growth continue."

The largest permits last month were one for $5 million for the foundation for the expansion at Southland Church and a $2.4 million upgrade of the front entrance at Bethesda Regional Health Centre. There were seven housing starts during the month.

Goertzen notes there could be significant population growth this year.

"A lot of housing discussion has been going on. We do have a number of subdivisions coming on file. We also have had a number of discussions with organizations that plan to build so we're really looking forward to a busy year in our planning department."