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

September 13, 2021

Investment 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.

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