The Town of Conception Bay South has hosted its annual Builders Forum at the Manuels River Hibernia Interpretation Centre. The forum brought together local builders, industry leaders, and government representatives to discuss future development in the municipality. The event featured various guest speakers, including Mayor Darrin Bent, who emphasized the Town’s commitment to supporting builders and fostering sustainable development to meet the needs of its growing population.

“We have taken a number of measures to help kick-start affordable housing initiatives in Conception Bay South, such as eliminating building permit fees for certain projects and implementing a 50% reduction in fees for multi-unit developments. As well we are streamlining our processes to get housing developments started as quickly as possible. We know that our residents, especially seniors, are seeking to downsize and are searching for affordable housing options,” said Mayor Darrin Bent.

Key statistics reflecting the Town’s growth and development were shared with the audience:

• In 2023, the Town approved three subdivisions that will have a total of 67 lots with infrastructure valued at approximately $2.6 million.
• In 2023, the Town issued approvals in principle for nine subdivisions that will introduce up to 299 new lots and 64 apartment units, representing a multi-million-dollar investment by the private sector and up to $80 million in dwellings.
• In 2023, the town issued nearly 500 permits for things like decks, fences, sheds, and accessory buildings, valued at approximately $4.7 million.

Further support for builders includes an upcoming review of development approval procedures by the Town’s Planning and Development Department to expedite processes and greenlight development sooner.

Guest presentations covered a range of topics, including employment support for the construction industry offered by the Office to Advance Women Apprentices, programs provided by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation and NL Housing Corporation, and information on detecting and mitigating radon within homes provided by Transfer Energy.

For more information about the Town of Conception Bay South and its development initiatives, please visit www.conceptionbaysouth.ca/services/development.