Winkler leads the region in building permits as construction season continues in the Pembina Valley.

At the year's midpoint, Winkler saw $21.5 million in new construction, followed by Morden and the RM of Stanley with $7.5 million and $6.6 million respectively.

In Winkler, year-over-year dwelling units, which Mayor Martin Harder says is a good sign of growth, is climbing. By the end of June Winkler had 90 dwelling units taken out compared to 58 at this time last year.

"We're welcoming newcomers, it's exciting to see people moving to Winkler."

In total, Winkler has seen 124 permits this year compared to 126 at this time last year.

The footprint of the new bowling alley building is 22,000 sq. ft. and includes a mezzanine just shy of 9,000 sq. ft.

MSTW General Manager Glen Wieler notes the new bowling alley is nearing completion in Winkler, work on an upcoming hotel is expected to start soon, and the city's new elementary school is slated to open this fall.

The Meridian Exhibition Centre project also moves forward towards its projected Spring 2020 completion.

Wieler says their staff has been on-site multiple times. "The foundation and groundwork require a lot of prep work before you see any structures come up."

"There's a lot of work going on at that site on the ground level that people can't see as they're driving by," he adds.

Construction continues on the Meridian Exhibition Centre

Meanwhile, in Morden, the new Home Hardware opened last week and the city's Best Western is expected to open this summer. The city saw 51 permits taken out as of June 30, down slightly from 68 at this time last year.

In the RM of Stanley, permits totalled 54 compared to 67 last year at the year's midpoint.

The new Home Hardware and Building Centre in Morden opened last week.