The Planning Manager for the Rural Municipality of Hanover says 2016 is shaping up to be a bounce back year for construction.

In terms of residential construction, 2015 saw the fewest number of permits pulled for new housing starts in at least eleven years. Through the first quarter of last year there were 10 starts worth just over $2 million. Jeremy Neufeld says through the same period this year there were 26 permits pulled, worth $5.9 million.

"Based on all the indications we're seeing here I think it's going to be a busy year," says Neufeld. "We've heard of a number of lot sales that have happened in Mitchell."

Neufeld says they are receiving a lot of inquiries from people looking to start new projects and he admits being very optimistic that this trend will continue.

Of the 26 permits pulled, 15 of them are for the rural area, 6 are for Kleefeld, 2 in Mitchell and then 1 in each of the communities of Blumenort, Grunthal and New Bothwell.

As for total construction, Neufeld says 63 permits have been pulled this year worth nearly $7 million. Through the same period one year ago, the municipality issued 46 permits worth $17.3 million. Last year's total included the new feed mill announced by HyLife.

Neufeld says if this trend were to continue, Hanover would set a new record this year for the total number of permits issued. The 63 permits is well ahead of the 43 taken out through the first three months of 2013, which ended up being a record year in Hanover.