The Region of Queens is looking to speed up the building process.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Mayor Darlene Norman says the municipality is seeing a 90 percent increase in permit applications.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to speed things up,\u201d said Norman. \u201cWhen you have a large commercial development or even someone needing to replace their roof or to put a small addition on. When they\u2019re waiting six and seven weeks to have their permits processed, that is a long time wait.\u201d<\/p>\n
Norman says landing a planner could be a challenge as the Region of Queens isn\u2019t the only municipal unit looking to add to their planning staff.<\/p>\n
She says the Town of Lunenburg has posted a job ad for a planner and Halifax is looking to hire three.<\/p>\n
Norman is hopeful the quality of life in Queens will attract qualified applicants.<\/p>\n
\u201cProfessionals are widely sought so we\u2019re going to spread our net wide,\u201d said Norman. \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Norman says they\u2019re looking bring a new planner on board as soon as they can.<\/p>\n