Yellowknife (July 16/03) - While housing is still lacking in the capital, new buildings are going up in an attempt to alleviate the shortage.

Two apartment buildings are going up near St. Joseph's School. The value of the buildings is $7 million. - Merle Robillard/NNSL photo

A total of 43 new housing permits have been issued by the city so far this year, 13 for stick frame, two for multi-family buildings and 28 for manufactured homes.

That's an increase of 13 compared to last year's numbers.

"We were pleasantly surprised with last year and we are ahead this year. I'm not sure where they are coming from," said Glenn Peterson, manager of building inspections with the city of Yellowknife.

The two multi-family permits were issued for a duplex and two apartment buildings.

The two apartment buildings, on Williams Avenue, have a value of $7 million and will provide close to 100 new apartment units.

"The housing situation had been dragging but it picked up in the last two years, once they made land available," he said.

Peterson pointed to Niven Lake and Range Lake where housing is going up.

On Niven Lake 26 new lots were recently sold and five others have attracted interest.

On Range Lake, a condominium is going up, which is expected to provide 23 housing units.

While the total value of residential building permits is equivalent to last year's first six months ($19.4 million this year compared to $19.6 million last year), the total amount of permits has almost doubled to 218 from 119.

Foundation permits were also on the rise, with 10 so far this year, six in the month June. Six foundation permits were issued for the first half of 2002.

"Foundation permits are basically the beginning of new buildings. It allows construction companies to get on site and get the building started," said Peterson.

The foundation permits allow companies to break the permit process in steps. Companies still need to get a building permit when the foundation is finished and construction on the building is set to start.

Other residential building permits include additions, decks, alterations and mechanical (plumbing and heating).