Investment in Building Construction, July 2021: Single-unit Construction Slows Down

EIN Housing July 400

September 13, 2021

EIN Housing JulyInvestment in building construction was down 1.7% to $18.1 billion in July. Residential construction declined for a third consecutive month following a record peak in April, while non-residential construction was up slightly.

On a constant dollar basis (2012=100), investment in building construction declined 1.6% to $13.0 billion in July.

Single-unit construction slows down

Residential construction investment was down 2.6% in July, a third consecutive monthly decline after a sustained period of strong growth from May 2020 to April 2021.

Declines in all provinces brought investment in single-family homes down 4.0% to $7.2 billion. Ontario posted the largest decrease after reaching a record high in April 2021, followed by Quebec, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Multi-unit construction investment was down 1.0% to $6.2 billion in July, reflecting decreases in seven provinces. Ontario reported the largest decline, followed by British Columbia and Manitoba.

Institutional sector drives non-residential construction

Non-residential construction investment was up 0.9% in July to $4.6 billion.

Institutional investment posted its ninth consecutive increase (+2.2% to $1.3 billion), with the majority of provinces and territories reporting gains in July. Construction of a York University building in Ontario as well as ongoing construction of secondary schools in Quebec and British Columbia contributed to the national growth.

Commercial investment was up 0.6% to $2.5 billion in July. Alberta posted the highest increase (+6.0%) due to higher spending on office buildings and buildings for trade and services.

Industrial investment was the single component to post a decline in July, edging down 0.2%. Quebec decreased for a second month, while Alberta and Prince Edward Island also had notable declines.

Go HERE for more information

For more information on housing, visit the Housing Statistics Portal.

 

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • Munden Enterprises Earns Arlington’s Canadian Sales Achievement Award

    Munden Enterprises Earns Arlington’s Canadian Sales Achievement Award

    February 18, 2025 Arlington Industries Inc. is pleased to announce the recipients of its annual representative sales awards – for 2024 sales of Arlington’s MADE IN USA and many patented, innovative and labor-saving products. Presented to firms representing Arlington at the recent 2025 National Electrical Manufacturers Representatives Association (NEMRA) meeting in Orlando, Florida, these awards… Read More…

  • Have your Say on the Proposed Regulations for the NWT Builders’ Lien Act

    Have your Say on the Proposed Regulations for the NWT Builders’ Lien Act

    February 14, 2025 The GNWT is modernizing the legal framework for construction liens. In 2023, the Builders’ Lien Act was enacted to replace the Mechanics Lien Act. The new legislation was put in place to address modern construction practices. It sets out the legal processes, systems, rights, and remedies for parties involved in construction disputes.  The GNWT… Read More…

  • Federal Government Investing in Skilled Trades Training for Atlantic Canada

    Federal Government Investing in Skilled Trades Training for Atlantic Canada

    February 14, 2025 Canada is building more homes, bridges and key infrastructure than at any point in recent history. That requires skilled workers in communities across the country, including in the Atlantic provinces. To encourage more people to join the skilled trades, to build the homes Canadians expect and the resilient economy this moment demands,… Read More…

  • Nova Scotia Power Holding Open Houses to Discuss Modernizing the Electrical Inspections Process

    Nova Scotia Power Holding Open Houses to Discuss Modernizing the Electrical Inspections Process

    February 14, 2025 As Nova Scotia continues to experience unprecedented building growth, it’s the perfect time to review and improve the electrical inspection process—with safety as the top priority. Nova Scotia Power and the Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration are coming together to explore new opportunities—including risk-based electrical inspections—to ensure the process remains safe,… Read More…