If you gauge the growth of a city by its construction activity, Winnipeg is booming.

The city has been enjoying a steady rate of improvement the last few years, particularly building new condos and apartment buildings. "The value of construction and number of units added have been on the rise, and the permits worth at least $1 million that were approved in 2014 show that more big things are on the way.

There were 25% more permits issued this past June than there were in June 2013. There was also 170% more in value of apartment building permits (14,600 to 5,400)

There are 118% more dwelling units being built this year as compared to last -- 184% more in the city centre.

Some of the more notable downtown developments include the Glasshouse, 300 Assiniboine Avenue, Sky City and H2O Waterfront.

"Certainly, there has been a change in the attitude of the developer," said Ursula Thiessen, a real estate agent known as the Urban Agent. "A lot more developers are taking a chance and actually building now. Before, they would need 65%-75% of the space sold before they would build anything.

"A developer can now see a profitability in purchasing land and developing into condos as opposed to houses. That creates more taxes for the city and provides more affordable housing for a lot more people."

Crystal Construction is not only building 300 Assiniboine -- the largest condo downtown -- but is also developing projects along Sterling Lyon Parkway.

More people are willing to buy dwellings downtown these days, many of them women, Thiessen said. But they are still more expensive than housing outside of the downtown area for those looking for starter homes.

The city centre, however, is certainly changing for the better.

"A healthy downtown will always have some changes and developments in progress," said Khris Lister, co-chair of the Downtown Community Residents Association. "Some of the proposed developments plan to directly address current community needs, such as a full grocery store.

"If these plans are put into action, we may see substantial improvements in downtown livability for a wide range of demographics. Improving downtown livability improves Winnipeg as a whole. It's better for the economy, better for our infrastructure, better for the environment, better for our health, and better for our reputation as a vibrant city."

Thiessen, however, sees an end to the current boom.

"I think we're going to reach a max pretty soon," she said.

jim.bender@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @bendersun

BREAKING DOWN THE BOOM

102: Million-dollar-plus projects have received building permits so far this year

126: stories being built

$27 million: Biggest residential project underway now, at 300 Assiniboine Ave.

234: New apartment/condo units being built in downtown

64: New units being built in the Exchange District

858: New units have received city approval this year

25% more permits for apartment construction in June 2014 than in June 2013

170%: value of apartment building permits in June 2014 compared to June 2013 value

118% more dwelling units built this so far this year, compared year-to-date with 2013

184% more in city centre

551% more in Assiniboia

232% more in Lord Selkirk/West K

57% more in East K/Transcona

18: dwelling units demolished to put up 217 so far this year

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