The Mayor for Ritchot says construction activity is way down this year in the municipality.

Chris Ewen says there were 27 new housing starts from January through June and a total of 93 permits. By comparison, that is down about 70 total permits from the same period one year ago.

"It's a little unfortunate but I just believe it's a little slower real estate market right now," explains Ewen. "We're not seeing as much activity as we did in the previous year."

Ewen says it is interesting how housing activity is cyclical in Ritchot. He notes it has gone from the condominium burst in Ile des Chenes to the opening of Tourond Creek development in St. Adolphe and now Grande Pointe is ready to explode. According to Ewen things are coming together for the North Grassie development down Oak Grove Road which should include 40 single family dwellings. Ewen says this should see a spike in permits either later this year or in spring.

As for Tourond Creek development, after what was a slower start, Ewen says it seems more and more homes are now popping up.

When it comes to the value of permits, Ewen says they have issued just over $15 million worth of permits this year. That is behind last year's pace when a total of $36.5 million in permits were issued for 12 months.