IF SPRING is busting out, so is construction activity. And it should be a banner year for all concerned if city predictions come to pass. Already, a number of residential homeplans have been submitted Big building year predicted and approved. This house is being built by Bob Reay an Rowland Ave, ; All sectors reporting a growth TERRACE — Predictions there could be a record amount of construction here this year are being borne out by city building inspection: depart- ment figures. "A report to council from per- ‘mits directot.’, Bob Lafleur ‘shows building permits valued at almost $1.6 million were issued in February. That takes the year-to-date total to $2.45 million, almost four times the equivalent figure for 1990, a record year for construction here, and one- quarter the total for last year as a whole. Single family housing starts are leading the charge with 14 permits valued at $1.77 million having been issued so far com- pared to just one at this time last year, “We're going to have an ex- plosion of activity,” Lafleur forecasts, suggesting the total value of building permits could hit $24 million this year, That’s nearly a third higher than the 1990 boom year total. Set to provide a major boost to this year’s total are the Safeway expansion (estimated value $2.9 million) and the new B.C. Building Corporation building on Keith Ave, ($850,000). - Another will come from the Esso fuel depot expansion which the company estimates will cost $3 million. “And their competitors are knocking at our door,” Lafleur adds , a reference to com- ments by Shell and Chevron spokesmen that their com- panies were considering similar moves here, The 14 housing starts to date suggest his earlier prediction of more than $8 million in~ residential! construction — this year are right on the money. That forecast was based on the building of 50 single family homes at an average value of $110,000 for a $5.5 million total. In fact, the permits issued to date are over target at a $126,000 average. On the multi-family units front, Lafleur says owners of property already zoned R3 (Muiti-residential) have in- dicated tnterest in building this year. One of those would be a “fairly substantial apartment development”, he adds. In addition, permits have already been duplex and a fourplex — total value $420,000 — and several other simila or condominium parieepes projects are also “in the wind” lf those projects come about, the total for multi- family developments would reach $3.5 million. In the commercial sector, a new dental clinic is planned for Park Ave., likely a $500,000 project, and there are sugges- tions as many as .three new mini-mails will be built this year. Based on the average of the past four years, he suggests it’s also reasonable to expect another $4 million to be spent on commercial renovations. Given the above, Lafleur says $24 million of construc- tion can. reasonably be. an- ticipated “and that doesn’t in- clude institutional projects”. The new corrections centre, the _ long-awaited supportive housing development’ at Ter- raceview and any work at local schools fall into that category, he explains. SERVING TERRACE SINCE 1963 Terrace Equipment has been in business since 1963. For THERE'S LOTS of commercial construction activity going on. This'll be a bingo place when finished and it'll be on Legion Ave., serving as a neighbaur to the curling rink and to the near- by ball park. Quality Audrey and Don opened the doors of the Fabric Boutique in July of 1985. We carry all patterns, notions and yarn goods far home sewing, quilting and dress goods. We have increased our in- ventory over the last year and have an excellent selection of top quality fabric at competitive prices. We strive to provide quality goods at a reasonabie price. Offering special order service for goods not in stock. "Good personal service is our aim" Audrey says, “I love to sew and find it satisfying to help customers select fabrics and patterns to suit them and meet their needs.” . The Fabric Boutique is proud to host the only “Kids Can Sew" program in town, this exciting educational program teaches kids 6-12 how to sew their own clothes. “Doing business in Terrace on a very personallevel- your customers are your friends!" | Che Fabric Routique 3308 Kalum St., Terrace, B. C. 638-1335 Welcome to the Gingerbread Playhouse, Terrace’s biggest toybox. Owners Nancy Condon and Shannon Bogart proudly opened the doors to this toy wonderland in October of 1989 and since then the support from Terrace and surrounding communities has been phenominal, “we are the only toy store of our kind throughout the North West" explains Nancy. The Gingerbread Playhouse proudly boasts row upon row of exciting educational games and toys, a science centre (for that young Einstein) arts and crafts and party favours for that special birthday, and they have recently expanded their selection of games, puzzles and toys as well as adding a teachers corer. One thing that hasn't changed is the staff; Nancy, Shannon, Barb and Janice have been the thriving force behind Gingerbread Playhouse since day one, with the recent addition of Cindy. “The opportunity to do business in Terrace has been most rewarding and we look forward to growing along with the - community.” Skeena Mall 635-5236 and Service... issued for a- 4441 Lakelse Avenue a number of years it was operated out of the old store next to- the Terrace !nn and has operated out of its present location since May of 1978. We havea small motors repalr shop and sell motorcycles, powersaws, outboards, boats, lawn &— garden equipment, skidoos, loggers supplies, etc. Terrace Equipment employs six Terrace residents, the staff is friendly and, knowledgeable and are always ‘pleased to assist you. ; Drop by Terrace Equipment Sales and check out the new skidoos, the Honda Power Equipment and. ask. about their f newest product line _ - Suzuki. TERRACE EQUIPMENT SALES LTD. 635-6384 : Bruno: ‘Belanger; owner af. Gemma’ s Bad & Bath Boutique has had the business for 10 years, employing 6 people. Gemma's was builton service and quality, offering the customers: bed linens, down quilts, bath towels, bath products, collectables,: musicals; bath robes, picture frames and more. "-Gemma’s hes recently.added many new product lines and boasts a better selection in their bedding department. Also with adding: 8 1-800 number, Bruno can provide an extra touch of service for his out of town customers. Gemma’s looks forward to building its customer profile in order to do mare mail outs. Sastisfaction for Gemme's Is finding new product lines, having a good selection and supplying thelr customers with quality and sarvich, WHERE QUALITY MAKES THE DIFFERENCE! Gemma’s Bed & Bath Boutique 4741 Lakelse Avenue - Skeena Mall 635-3392 1-800-563-4362