According to Statistics Canada’s The Daily, investment in building construction grew 2.8 per cent to $21.4 billion in June, after a slight increase of 0.8 per cent in May. These increases partly reflect April’s record high of $13.4 billion in total building permits value, since investment levels for a given period are driven by permits issued in prior months.
The June increase in investment in building construction was primarily driven by the residential sector while the gains in the non-residential sector were modest. Year over year, investment in building construction rose 10 per cent in June, following a seven per cent increase in May. On a constant dollar basis, investment in building construction was up 2.6 per cent to $13.0 billion in June, compared with the previous month, and 6.8 per cent year over year.
Quebec drives the growth in residential construction in June
Investment in residential building construction rose by 3.8 per cent to $15 billion in June. Monthly increases were recorded in nine provinces and two territories, with Quebec leading the national gains for the second month in a row. Ontario, British Columbia and Manitoba also recorded an increase in residential construction, while Nova Scotia was the only province to post a decrease.
Overall, investment in multi-unit construction grew six per cent to $8.1 billion in June, driven by Quebec and Ontario. Single-family home investment was up 1.4 per cent to $6.9 billion in June, following two consecutive monthly declines.
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