Building permits through the first quarter of this year in Ritchot were almost equal to the same period in 2017.

From January 1st to March 31st, there were 13 new housing starts worth $5 million, compared to 13 starts worth $4.9 million a year ago. Of those 13 starts this year, seven were in St. Adolphe, three in Ile des Chenes, two in the rural area and one in Grande Pointe.

Mayor Chris Ewen says In St. Adolphe the development on the north edge of the community is nearly full. And he notes there is now positive growth happening in the Tourond Creek development on the south side.

According to Ewen, building activity would have been busier in the first quarter if the weather had cooperated.

On the commercial side, there were two permits taken out in the first quarter, totalling $1.5 million. That is higher than last year and in fact Ewen says he thinks it could be a strong year for commercial activity. Part of that has to do with an amendment made to the municipality's Zoning Bylaw. By adding a "Multi-Use" section to the Industrial and Commercial Zones, Ewen explains more than one business or building can now be located on a single property. He says this should spark growth in Grande Pointe. And in Ste. Agathe, Ewen says the industrial lots are selling quickly.

"I wouldn't be surprised if we see a commercial/industrial growth or pattern happen a lot quicker than this residential is happening," suggests Ewen.

As for overall permits, there were 22 taken out during the first quarter this year, worth $6.7 million, compared to 16 last year for $5.1 million.