April 6, 2009 – Following last Thursday’s GDP report, today’s Statscan report indicates that the value of building permits fell 15.9% to $3.7 billion from January to February 2009, with the largest decreases coming from the non-residential sector in Ontario.

In the residential sector, the value of permits was virtually unchanged at $2.1 billion, with the increase in the value of permits for multiple dwellings in British Columbia nearly offsetting the declines in the residential sector in six provinces.

In the non-residential sector, the value of permits fell 30.5% to $1.6 billion. This decline was due to a drop in Ontario and decreases in four other provinces. The total value of construction intentions declined in half the provinces.

Following a 64.2% increase in January, the value of permits for institutional components declined 56.4% to $363 million in February. The decrease came mainly from construction intentions for medical buildings in Ontario and Quebec and a decline in permits for educational institutions in Ontario and Alberta.

Permit values for the commercial component declined 20.4% to $972 million. This decrease came largely from construction intentions for office buildings and recreational buildings in Ontario. However, British Columbia experienced the strongest growth in this component.

The value of industrial permits increased 14.3% to $236 million, following a 50.8% decrease in January. The gain in February was a result of increased intentions in six provinces.

For further information go to www.statcan.gc.ca