The new year is off to a strong construction start.

Cold weather didn’t stop some hot construction projects, particularly on the commercial side.

Commercial, industrial and institutional projects totalled up to $14 million last month, compared with $11 million in January of 2012.

Among this year’s works are outfitting of the new law building at Thompson Rivers University and renovations to the old Zellers store to transform it into Target.

City planning and community development manager Randy Lambright said Friday the City would like to see more of a boost on the residential side.

Home construction is an indicator of economic confidence. A total of four permits for single family homes were issued in January — the same as the year before. Other projects put residential construction value at $2.4 million last month, compared with $3 million a year ago.

Lambright said the solid commercial construction figures so early in the year could also indicate confidence.

There are some big projects being discussed with City staff, but nothing in terms of firm announcements or permits being issued yet, he said.

The total for construction permit values last month was $16.9 million. In January of 2012 it was $14.6 million.