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Your neighbours just got a $2.1 million building permit.

Your neighbours are building big, and fast

Bonjour, Ottawa! Simone Okafor-Bouchard here, with your Morning Wire.

No major weather alerts for us today, which means we can focus on what's happening just off the Hill, right here in our neighbourhoods. The City of Ottawa's Building Permits database is showing some significant action this week, with over $4.2 million in new permits issued.

Let's talk about the big one: a brand new two-storey detached dwelling, with a finished basement and walkout, approved for 865 Aviation Road in Ward 1. That's a nearly $2.1 million project (specifically, $2,066,986) just for one house. It's a clear sign that, despite everything, people are still investing heavily in residential construction in Ottawa.

But it's not all houses. We're seeing some serious commercial and industrial upgrades too. A permit for $1,556,164 was issued for interior alterations and a new fire alarm system at 5900 Keaton Crescent in Ward 5 — that's industrial work, landlord side. And yes, even Tim Hortons is getting a reclad for its drive-thru window at 780 Bancroft Drive in Ward 11, a project valued at $84,619.

This isn't just numbers on a page; this is our city changing, block by block. What gets built today shapes our commutes, our local shops, and even how our communities feel tomorrow.

The real story is never on the Hill — it's always just off it.

Simone Okafor-Bouchard, MiTL Sports Desk.

You know Keith and the crew are talking about this on the show right now — catch them at mornings.live.

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