Residential Sector Breaks Two-Month Dip, Advanced by Multi-Dwelling Permits

April 19, 2023

The total value of building permits in Canada advanced 8.6% to $10.7 billion in February, indicating robust intentions for both the residential (+7.9% to $6.6 billion) and non-residential (+9.8% to $4.2 billion) sectors.

Seven provinces reported monthly increases, with notable gains in Ontario (+10.7%) and Alberta (+25.6%).

On a constant dollar basis (2012=100), the total value of building permits went up 8.2% to $6.4 billion.

Residential sector breaks two-month dip, advanced by multi-dwelling permits

The multi-dwelling component sharply increased by 13.6%, led by a variety of large value permits in Ontario (+25.4%).

Meanwhile, construction intentions in single-family homes remained stable (+0.5%).

Overall, permits gained 7.9% to $6.6 billion. Permits were issued for 22,900 new units nationally, 3,600 more than the intentions reported in January.

All four eastern provinces saw gains in the value of permits, collectively advancing 25.7% month over month. Conversely, British Columbia (-13.4%), Alberta (-3.9%) and Saskatchewan (-40.6%) reported monthly declines in residential permits.

Residential

Alberta bolsters non-residential growth

The total monthly value of non-residential permits increased 9.8% to $4.2 billion, the highest non-residential value since February 2022. Much of this gain is attributable to several high-value projects in Alberta.

Across the country, gains in the industrial (+42.0%) and commercial (+6.2%) components more than offset losses in the institutional (-7.6%) component.

To explore data using an interactive user interface, visit the Building permits: Interactive Dashboard.

For more information on construction, please visit the Construction statistics portal.

For more information on housing, please visit the Housing statistics portal.

Statistics Canada has a Housing Market Indicators dashboard. This web application provides access to key housing market indicators for Canada, by province and by census metropolitan area. The indicators are updated automatically with new information from monthly releases, giving users access to the latest data.

Go HERE for more information

Related Article

Single-Family Home Construction in Nova Scotia helps Drive Investment

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • LEDVANCE Canada Announces Leadership Updates

    LEDVANCE Canada Announces Leadership Updates

    February 19, 2026 LEDVANCE Canada is sharing two leadership updates that further strengthen support for customers and channel partners across the country. Lori Bagazzoli has been appointed Head of Strategic Sales – LEDVANCE Canada, with a focus on expanding support for the Project and Specification market and accelerating growth in strategic opportunities. In this role, Lori Bagazzoli Read More…

  • Franklin Empire Inc. Announces Acquisition of O’Neil Electric Supply, Strengthening its Presence in Ontario and Eastern Canada

    Franklin Empire Inc. Announces Acquisition of O’Neil Electric Supply, Strengthening its Presence in Ontario and Eastern Canada

    February 18, 2026 Franklin Empire Inc., a leading independent electrical distributor in Eastern Canada, is proud and excited to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire O’Neil Electric Supply, an Ontario-based electrical distributor, subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals. This strategic acquisition further strengthens Franklin Empire’s Read More…

  • Nominations Now Open for 8th Biennial MEET Innovation Awards

    Nominations Now Open for 8th Biennial MEET Innovation Awards

    February 13, 2026 The Mechanical Electrical Electronic Technology Show (MEET) is pleased to announce that the ‘MEET Innovation Awards’ will return as part of the 2026 edition of the show. The purpose of these awards is to recognize innovative products in the industry. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to nominate themselves or others by completing this online form no Read More…

  • 2026 ECABC Hall of Fame Nominations

    2026 ECABC Hall of Fame Nominations

    February 12, 2026 On June 2nd, ECABC will hold a Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony as part of their Awards Gala Dinner at the Association’s 2026 Conference and AGM in Kelowna. ECABC would like to invite you to nominate an extraordinary individual from the electrical industry to join the organizations esteemed Hall of Fame! Induction into the Read More…