Construction of residential units more than doubled in North Bay in the past 12 months.

The city revealed earlier this month that it approved the construction of 242 new dwelling units in 2025. That figure is more than double the total approved in 2024 and exceeds levels seen during the city’s COVID-era building boom.

Last year’s total includes 41 single-family dwellings, 56 additional dwelling units, 26 semi-detached units, and 119 multi-residential units.

Residential construction accounted for just under $50 million of 2025’s total construction value of $147.5 million. That figure was up significantly from the $81.6 million worth of permits approved in 2024.

The institutional sector accounted for the largest share, totaling $74,840,780. This includes the new Community and Recreation Centre, as well as 60 new affordable housing units for seniors at the former site of JW Trusler School on Cartier Street.

“These numbers demonstrate the city’s ongoing role in facilitating housing development through policies and programs outlined in our Housing Action Plan, including incentives, planning tools, and partnerships,” said Mayor Peter Chirico. “By supporting projects like Cartier Street and encouraging diverse residential growth, we are helping create new housing opportunities throughout the community.”

The Cartier Street project is supported by the City’s Growth Community Improvement Plan though funding from the Federal Housing Accelerator Fund and is in partnership with the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board.

Commercial and industrial construction contributed $14,217,844 and $7,780,063, respectively, up from $10,615,598 and $4,699,500 in 2024, reflecting continued investment across key sectors.