The Fraser Institute has come out with a report on red tape and how much of it there is for new home builders.

Calgary is ranked tenth while the Town of Strathmore is number one with the least amount of red tape according to the report.

Strathmore's Mayor Mike Ell admits he was a little surprised when he saw the topped the list.

"I took a look at it and yes indeed I was surprised to see that we were right on top as far as the least amount of red tape," he says. "As a council we try to make things easier and still follow procedures as necessary for our developers so they can build properties here in town so they can meet the demand."

He says they haven't gone out of their way to get rid of the red take it's just that council and administration are trying to do the best job for the community.

Ell says he hasn't noticed it having a huge impact on the numbers over the last few years.

I think we are doing very well in regards to the downturn in the economy where we still have some strength and there's still some desire in regards to filling some new vacant properties, we're still seeing some good demand there," he says. "I guess it's just because of the way we're able to manage our developments and the costs that we are priced right for people to come to Strathmore."

The report says permit approval time is 13.5 months in Calgary compared to 7.5 months in the top five areas, including Strathmore, the Foothills MD which is second and Okotoks, which is fifth.

Ell says that looks good for the developers who are looking to get their projects finished and move on to the next one.