September investment in building construction up 5.3 percent

Investment in building construction increased 5.3 percent to $18.9 billion in September. The residential sector rose 7.3 percent to $12.9 billion, and the non-residential sector was up 1.2 percent to $6.0 billion, says Statistics Canada. On a constant dollar basis (2012=100), investment in building construction increased 4.9 percent to $10.8 billion.

Growth in residential investment was driven by Ontario (+6.7 percent; +$325.1 million), Quebec (+9.1 percent), Alberta (+10.6 percent), and Manitoba (+33.6 percent).

Single family home investment increased 6.4 percent to $6.3 billion. After seven consecutive monthly declines, Manitoba (+58.5 percent; +$78.2 million) posted its largest-ever recorded monthly increase in single family investment in September.

Multi-unit construction rose 8.2 percent to $6.6 billion in September, with all provinces reporting gains. Ontario (+7.3 percent) led the way, while Alberta (+21.6 percent) contributed its largest monthly increase since April 2018.

Investment in non-residential construction was up 1.2 percent, driven mainly by Ontario, which accounted for 72.8 percent of the sector gains.