Spring looks to be a busy time in Weyburn for commercial construction activities with several projects getting under way.

City officials expect construction work to begin as soon as the ground is hard enough to sustain heavy equipment.

"The commercial side of things certainly looks like we're going to have a very good year," said Doug Mulhall, manager of community development for the city. "I think we'll see a few projects built and they'll be the larger kind of projects."

He referred specifically to the positive impact the construction of Wal-Mart and the Tatagwa View long-term care centre will have on the city's economy.

Mulhall also made reference to some additional projects currently in the negotiation stage that can't be discussed yet.

He went on to say work on the Wal-Mart project is proceeding according to plan.

"We don't anticipate any big problems that way, so an early spring start is what we would anticipate," he said.

The use of local contractors is something Mulhall said the city is looking to encourage and is hoping local companies will be active in the tender process.

On the other side of the coin, residential construction work appears to be moving slowly, but Mulhall expects an increase in activity as the weather improves.

"It's been quiet up to this point in time, we are certainly seeing an increase in the level of activity, inquiries, what have you; people seeking information," said Mulhall.

He referred to the residential construction market as "wait and see" as far as whether it would be active.