The Region of Queens is looking to speed up the building process.

At their last meeting, council decided to add another planner to the department to clear up a backlog and allow permits to be issued more quickly going forward.

Mayor Darlene Norman says the municipality is seeing a 90 percent increase in permit applications.

“We need to speed things up,” said Norman. “When you have a large commercial development or even someone needing to replace their roof or to put a small addition on. When they’re waiting six and seven weeks to have their permits processed, that is a long time wait.”

Norman says landing a planner could be a challenge as the Region of Queens isn’t the only municipal unit looking to add to their planning staff.

She says the Town of Lunenburg has posted a job ad for a planner and Halifax is looking to hire three.

Norman is hopeful the quality of life in Queens will attract qualified applicants.

“Professionals are widely sought so we’re going to spread our net wide,” said Norman. “The Region of Queens is a great place to live. Anyone that is looking for great cultural life, natural attributes, closeness to Halifax, Yarmouth, Annapolis, we have it all.”

Norman says they’re looking bring a new planner on board as soon as they can.

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