The MSTW Planning District continues to issue permits at a steady pace.
    
To the end of September, 439 permits were issued throughout the region, which is actually the exact number of permits issued to the same date last year.
    
General Manager for MSTW, Glen Wieler says it's been a positive year so far throughout the district with a lot of new housing still happening with Morden being up substantially, and Winkler also up from this time last year.  

Overall, permits in the first three quarters for the R.M. of Stanley and Thompson are both down slightly.

"If we look at the big picture, so far the first nine months of the year have been very positive," says Wieler.

In Morden, permits for new single-family dwellings has increased by eight from this time last year, with a total of 27 permits issued to the end of September.
    
Meanwhile, what started out as a slower year in Winkler for overall permits, has turned around.  New single-family dwellings are now outpacing last year by three, with a total of 57 permits issued in the first nine months. Permits issued for new commercial builds are up seven to a total of nine.

Commercial and industrial development in the MSTW Planning District seems to be having a trickle-down effect. With a lot of activity in that area over that last six months, Wieler says it's creating some definite optimism.  

"Small businesses are spending money, industrial owners are upgrading shops, and if the small business owners are optimistic and spending money, that filters down to their employees, who are also optimistic and therefore spending money on their housing."

Looking ahead, Wieler notes 2018 could potentially have some exciting projects get underway.  

"Garden Valley School Division will be building a new school, and there are other projects that are in the books. Canadian Tire is talking about an expansion, the Southland Mall is talking about a renovation, Winkler, Morden, and Stanley are talking about a wastewater treatment plant, and Winkler is talking about a community hall project."

Wieler says even if a couple of those projects happen, it will create an amazing spike in building for the area.