The Halifax Regional Municipality is on pace to issue $1 billion in development permits—a record—by the end of the year, say city officials

With four months left in 2012, the city has already issued $650 million worth of commercial, industrial and residential permits.

That's $116 million more than what was issued this time in 2011, which was also a record-breaking year.

Halifax's Mayor Peter Kelly said the numbers reflect the confidence of the private sector in the city and the province.