Windsor is experiencing a building boom in the non-residential sector.
The latest figures from Stats Canada found Windsor was one of a handful of metro areas where non-residential construction increased in the 4th quarter of 2016.
Through all of 2016 there were over $325-million worth of building permits issued.
Windsor Chief Building Official, John Revell, calls it a very healthy canary in the coal mine.
Revell says auto and the parts sector are big as is the university and the aerospace sector is growing strongly as well.
He says it's been a long time since non-residential construction has been this healthy: "this has been our best year in the last decade, we've had better years, but a long time ago, 20 years ago. This last year has certainly been the best in the last 10 years"
Revell says they expect an equally strong year in 2017 with more University of Windsor construction and at least 2 public schools.
He adds the large number of permits and required approvals are stretching the capacity of the building department.
A request is included in the budget process for 2 additional planning engineers, one more building inspector and a customer service representative.