Despite weak numbers in the third quarter, the Saugeen economy is expected to pick up by the end of the year.
Project Manager for the Saugeen Economic development corporation, Dave Barrett says most numbers in the last quarter were negative but attitudes have changed on the street and people are now spending.
Construction in the Saugeen economy is off by 42 per cent from the level a year ago, at 21.3 million dollars.
Barrett says that is partly because infrastructure funding is drying up.
Meanwhile, the total value of real estate sales fell 6 per cent to 175 million in the third quarter, while the caseload for social assistance is up 8 per cent.
But Barrett says confidence in the Saugeen economy is growing and he hears that spending is going up in the area during the current quarter.
The Saugeen economy covers Arran Elderslie, Brockton, Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Hanover, Minto, South Bruce, Southgate, Wellington North and West Grey.
