Despite stiffer building code regulations and a staff shortage, the Town of Gravenhurst’s building department set a new record for the most building permits issued in one year by more than 50 permits.

According to statistics released by the department, 737 permits were issued in 2007, compared to the former permit record of 681 permits in 2005.

In addition, co-ordinator of development services Ian Sugden said the town saw its highest construction dollar value of nearly $45 million since the department began compiling statistics in 1975.

Bumping up the construction values this year were the Marriott Residence Inn at Muskoka Wharf, the Granite Trail apartments on James Street and Shoppers Drug Mart, indicated building staff.

Sugden said the stronger than anticipated construction levels will have a positive impact on the department’s 2007 revenues.

Deputy treasurer Janice LePage said the department budgeted revenues of $350,000 from building permits and brought in $365,384 to date.

According to building staff, one person single-handedly reviewed nearly all of the permits, the town’s new plans examiner Bobbi Lovering, while Kevin Lehan is responsible for septic inspections.

“This is a combination of market, economy and positioning,” said Mayor John Klinck. “The number of permits is great and the dollar value and return to the community is exciting.”

Klinck thanked the staff of the department for achieving a new record in a year when the new building code implemented so many changes.

“It made for more work at the front line and our people had to be ready,” he said. “(The new legislation) requires our people to make more visits, more analysis and more inspections. They’ve done a remarkable job and we understand how busy it’s been and how productive our staff has been.”

Development services committee chair Paisley Donaldson said the number of permits is incredible in spite of the municipality’s continued hunt for more building inspectors.

“This is a good news story for Gravenhurst,” she said. “They’re doing all this on a limited number of staff.”

In response to a question from committee member Bob Colhoun about expectations for 2008, Sugden said there is no reason to expect a decline.

“Between applications for land use and permits that are on the books, we anticipate another strong year next year,” he said.