School gives building a boost

The filing of the permit for the new elementary school being built in Castleton gave the township a big boost in its 2009 building total. The school, estimated to cost $6,440,000, has raised this year's total building to $11,489,620.

In her October report, Chief Building Official, Natalie Moroz-Cornell included one new single-family dwelling valued at $250,000 on Concession 7. The total building started in October was just over $6.8 million. The total so far this year is $11,489,620. 2008 had the highest-ever total, with over $13 million in building starts by the end of October.

The October home is the 14th new home in the township this year, compared to 18 last year at this time. The single building start for a new home matches October last year. Discounting the new school, the monthly total is almost identical to last October. Two years ago, in 2007, three homes were started in the same month and 29 had been started by the end of October. That year saw four months with over $1 million in building starts.

2005 was the township/s best-ever year for housing starts when there were about 60.