PRINCE GEORGE – Housing starts are up markedly in Prince George compared to last year, according to Canada and Mortgage Housing Corp. statistics released on Wednesday.

During the first 11 months of 2004, there were 165 starts on single detached houses, an increase of 75.5 per cent compared to the 94 recorded between Jan. 1 and Nov. 30 last year.

In addition, work has started on 14 multiple-housing units so far this year, while there were none during the same period in 2003.

Work started on 12 single-family homes last month, up from just seven during November 2003.

“The area is doing quite well right now,” said corporation market analyst Christie Butchart. “There are some pretty strong market conditions.”

In total, there have been 179 housing starts in all categories in the Prince George area so far in 2004, an increase of 90.4 per cent compared to the same period in 2003.

© The Vancouver Sun 2004