2013 was a good year for Moose Jaw when it comes to building permits despite the fact the number of actual permits was down.

City Hall is reporting a record value for building permits according to Michelle Sanson with the City Engineer's Department.  $96 million in total when it comes to construction last year.

"In 2013, which was probably the highest year we've ever had on record, the monthly average was $8 million in value which is... I don't even know another year to compare to that. It's definitely much higher than anything we've seen."

Over 300 permits were issued in 2013, which is actually down from 2012 but the properties were worth more. Multi-unit housing is a major factor for increase according to Sanson with at least five major projects underway including a development on the south side of the city with 96 units.

Sanson also points out that the full value of the hospital project isn't included in the 2013 numbers, that'll be in the 2014 numbers so this year is expected to be a big one as well.