Residential Sector Drives 3.8% Increase in February Building Construction Investment

Residential Sector

May 5, 2019

Total investment in building construction increased in February, up 3.8% from January to $15.3 billion. This increase was primarily due to investment growth in the residential sector (+5.4% to $11.0 billion), while the non-residential sector remained unchanged at $4.4 billion. On a constant dollar basis (2012=100), investment in building construction rose 3.9% to $13.0 billion.

Investment in residential building construction

The increase in total residential investment for February was driven by strength in multi-unit dwellings (+8.4% to $5.5 billion), while investment in single family homes rose more modestly (+2.6% to $5.5 billion).

The gain in residential investment was primarily due to renovation work, up $1.1 billion from the previous year.

Investment in non-residential building construction

Within the non-residential sector, investment in commercial building construction exceeded $2.5 billion, a record level. This gain reflected a 2.2% increase in Quebec, which was mainly driven by a multiplex sports facility being built in the city of Gatineau.

The industrial component rose 0.7% to $839 million in February. A new marijuana production facility for Canopy Growth Corporation in the City of Fredericton stimulated investment in New Brunswick, up 6.4% for the month.

The national decline in institutional construction investment (-1.0% to $988 million) was due primarily to the continuing decline in investment for maturing hospital projects in Alberta and Ontario. This was partly offset by an increase of $2 million in Quebec, reflecting continued investment in the Montréal Heart Institute.

Source: Statistics Canada, https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/190423/dq190423c-eng.htm

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Celebrating 30 Years of Innovation and Collaboration at EFC’s 2025 Conference in Niagara

    Celebrating 30 Years of Innovation and Collaboration at EFC’s 2025 Conference in Niagara

    By Luc Rodier, Chair of the Board of Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) The 2025 EFC Conference in Niagara was a landmark occasion—marking 30 years of innovation, collaboration, and collective progress in the Canadian electrical industry. Set against the symbolic backdrop of the Canadian-U.S. border, this year’s theme, Electrifying Connections, couldn’t have been more fitting. As President and… Read More…

  • Industrial Wiring Devices: A Brief Intro and How to Choose Them

    Industrial Wiring Devices: A Brief Intro and How to Choose Them

    June 9, 2025 Introduction: With the multitude of options on the market, it can be difficult to decide whether you need a pin and sleeve wiring device or a plug and connector in your industrial plant or facility. You might find your head swirling with thoughts about which option is best. Or you may not… Read More…

  • Industry Leaders Head to Quebec to Strengthen Energy and Supply Chain Resilience

    Industry Leaders Head to Quebec to Strengthen Energy and Supply Chain Resilience

    June 9, 2025 By Electro-Federation Canada On June 3 and 4, a high-level delegation from Canada’s electrical and automation sector travelled to Montreal and Quebec City for a series of strategic meetings with Quebec government officials and key stakeholders. Organized by Electro-Federation Canada (EFC), this mission underscores the critical role the industry plays in advancing… Read More…

  • Electrifying Connections: A Celebration of Legacy, A Vision for the Future

    Electrifying Connections: A Celebration of Legacy, A Vision for the Future

    June 9, 2025 By Electro-Federation Canada This year’s Annual Industry Conference, held against the breathtaking backdrop of Niagara Falls, Ontario, was a landmark event with more than 710 Electro-Federation Canada community members. More than just a celebration of our shared history, it was a launchpad for new ideas, future-based dialogue, and deeper connections.   The energy and… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Eaton and Siemens Energy Partner to Provide Power and Technology to Accelerate New Data Center Capacity

    Eaton and Siemens Energy Partner to Provide Power and Technology to Accelerate New Data Center Capacity

    June 13, 2025 Eaton, and Siemens Energy have announced a fast-track approach to building data centers with integrated onsite power. They will address urgent market needs by offering reliable grid-independent energy supplies and standardized modular systems to facilitate swift data center construction and deployment. The collaboration will enable simultaneous construction of data centers and associated… Read More…

  • Latest Social Media Challenge Puts Students at Risk of Electrical Shock

    Latest Social Media Challenge Puts Students at Risk of Electrical Shock

    June 13, 2025 The Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) is warning Ontarians that a shocking new social media trend is putting students at risk of serious electrical injury including shock, burns or even fires. A pair of dangerous social media trends have been gaining interest from students. One has kids “challenging” each other to stick a… Read More…

  • Plan Group Announce New VP of Electrical

    Plan Group Announce New VP of Electrical

    June 13, 2025 Plan Group are proud to announce the promotion of Dave Scott as Vice President of Electrical. Dave has been a key part of Plan Group’s success for the last 16 years, leading with drive, accountability, and a deep understanding of what it takes to get the job done right. He will now… Read More…

  • Electro-Federation Canada Announces New Chair and Board of Directors for 2025-26

    Electro-Federation Canada Announces New Chair and Board of Directors for 2025-26

    June 13, 2025 On Monday, May 26, 2025, Electro-Federation Canada (EFC) held its Annual General Meeting, which included an update on key initiatives, the welcoming of a new Chair, and the election of the 2025-2026 Board of Directors. EFC President & CEO Carol McGlogan shared key highlights from the past year and provided a summary of the… Read More…