Construction crane in Moncton (91.9 The Bend Photo) Despite a global pandemic, the City of Moncton ended 2020 with $270.8-million in building permits, surpassing its previous record of $257.4-million in 2019. Its 10-year average increased by more than $10-million to $202.3-million, surpassing the $200-million mark for the first time. In the last decade, the lowest annual building activity had been in 2014, with $123-million worth of permits filed. Kevin Silliker, the city’s director of economic development, said last year’s results were “amazing” particularly because it was achieved during a pandemic. “I think it speaks to the strength and confidence in our economy. It also speaks to the momentum that we have,” he said, adding the multi-residential sector has been a “real highlight.”