Ottawa, ON — In May, the total value of building permits decreased across Canada by 1.7 per cent ($215.0 million) to $12.4 billion. Statistics Canada reports that declines in the non-residential sector were tempered by gains in the residential sector.
Specifically, the non-residential sector declined by 6.1 per cent ($306.1 million) to $4.7 billion in May. Losses were seen in the industrial (down $341.0 million), while the commercial component recorded an $81.4 million increase.
Losses in the industrial component were driven by Ontario (down $236.2 million), followed by Quebec (down $52.3 million) and Alberta (down $50.7 million). The growth in the commercial component was attributed to British Columbia ($183.1 million), followed by Ontario ($62.9 million) and Newfoundland and Labrador ($33.5 million).
The residential sector saw a 1.2 per cent ($91.1 million) increase in construction intentions in May. Increases were seen in the multi-unit component ($161.9 million); however, the single-family component recorded a $70.7 million decline.
Gains in the multi-unit component were led by British Columbia ($304.4 million) and supported by Ontario ($235.0 million). The decrease in the single-family component in May was primarily attributable to Quebec (down $65.7 million), followed by Manitoba (down $19.5 million) and Alberta (down $13.8 million).