The City of Steinbach reports $7.3million worth of building permits were issued in the first quarter of the year. Mayor Chris Goertzen says that's a great start to the year.

"January, February and March are not generally months where we have a lot of construction happening. Yet, this year, we saw $7.3 million worth of construction already in that time. It's really encouraging."

The value of permits in the first three months of this year is about half of what it was in the same period last year when it was $15.3 million. However, there were three large projects last year that accounted for 11.6 million dollars of those permits.

There were 13 housing starts in Steinbach during the first quarter of this year. That compares to 11 housing starts last year plus a 38-unit apartment block for a total of 49.

Goertzen says there has been a lot of activity at city hall in recent weeks regarding upcoming commercial and residential projects so it appears the city is in for another good growth year.

"There is a lot coming down the pipe when it comes to additional commercial and residential (construction). So we're really pleased. It's going to be a very good year in 2018 here in Steinbach, a lot of people wanting to move here, a lot of builders wanting to build here and a lot of businesses wanting to open here."

Goertzen notes Steinbach has reached that critical mass in terms of population and amenities, where it is drawing increasing interest provincewide and across the country as a place to set up businesses and as a place to live.