The number of building permits issued in Prince George dropped in March 2025 compared to previous years, but the total number of new residential units increased sharply, according to a report to be presented to city council Wednesday, April 23.
City staff say 21 permits were issued last month with a total estimated construction value of $6.96 million, up slightly from $6.32 million in March 2024 but well below the $34.3 million recorded in March 2023.
The increase in housing units comes largely from one new multi-family permit, which accounted for 91 new dwellings and a construction value of $3 million. Five single-family homes, one manufactured home, and two secondary suites were also approved.
While residential development was strong, the report shows a continued slowdown in commercial and industrial construction. Only six permits were issued in the commercial, industrial, and institutional categories, valued at $736,529 in total, down from $29 million in March 2023.
So far in 2025, 74 permits have been issued across all sectors, representing a year-to-date construction value of just over $22 million. That’s roughly half the value recorded at this time last year.
Development permits issued in March include approval for a new single-family home on an infill lot at 705 Carney St., a commercial facade improvement at 2595 Queensway, and a wildfire hazard permit for a single-detached home on Cranbrook Hill Road.
Other permits issued in March include:
Commercial/industrial/institutional
- 2 commercial building alterations: $397,529
- 2 industrial building alterations: $214,000
Residential
- 1 new multi-family permit (91 dwelling units): $3,000,000
- 5 new single-family dwellings: $2,636,004
- 1 new manufactured home: $184,832
- 2 new secondary suites: $57,715
Council is meeting on Wednesday after rescheduling its planned April 28 meeting to avoid conflicting with the federal election on that date.
