MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Jan. 19, 2012) - Mississauga building statistics for 2011 show big gains over the numbers posted in 2010. Construction permit values for both residential and industrial building more than doubled year over year, while commercial values posted an increase of about 35 per cent. The total value of all 2011 permits issued topped $800 million. The previous year's total was about $451 million.

"It's exciting to see that Mississauga is attracting the investment that will help us achieve the goals we've outlined in our City's Strategic Plan. These numbers show very clearly that our city-building efforts are paying off," said Ed Sajecki, commissioner of Planning and Building for the City of Mississauga.

The report also shows a shift in the scale of projects started in 2011. While the value of permits increased, the number of permits issued decreased slightly to 3,282 from 3,480. This indicates that an average building under construction is now a bigger, higher-value project than the average project in 2010.

The report's numbers also detail a shift away from public sector construction. This was an expected drop, due largely to the end of infrastructure stimulus programs. Stimulus programs were offered by the provincial and federal governments to address the economic slowdown experienced in many parts of the world in 2008.

The City completed a number of major infrastructure stimulus projects in 2011, while a notable private sector project made its mark on the Mississauga skyline.

"Last year was a banner year. Our new Mississauga Celebration Square has proven itself the perfect venue for everyday use as well as year-round community events and celebrations," said Sajecki. "And the Absolute towers at Burnhamthorpe Rd. and Hurontario St., our 'Marilyn Monroe' buildings, are a great example of how private landowners, architects and builders are contributing to the vibrancy of our City."

For more information about the City's 2011 Building Report, contact the City's Building Division at 905-615-3200, extension 4192.

- View the 2011 Building Report Summary.

As Canada's sixth largest city, Mississauga is home to 734,000 residents and 55,000 businesses, including 63 Fortune 500 companies with Canadian head offices or major divisional head offices. A diverse, progressive and award-winning municipality located on the shores of Lake Ontario in the heart of the Greater Toronto Area, Mississauga is "Leading Today for Tomorrow" by focusing on delivering services, implementing its Strategic Plan, delivering value for money, maintaining infrastructure and continuing to be an employer of choice.