Residential Sector Drives 3.8% Increase in February Building Construction Investment

Residential Sector

Apr 29, 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

Changing Scene

  • LEDVANCE Welcomes Scott Buckley as New Head of Marketing for the U.S. and Canada

    LEDVANCE Welcomes Scott Buckley as New Head of Marketing for the U.S. and Canada

    October 29, 2025 LEDVANCE is pleased to announce the appointment of Scott Buckley as Head of Marketing for the U.S. and Canada. In this role, Scott will lead all marketing strategy and execution across the region, with a focus on enhancing customer engagement, driving growth, and advancing the company’s brand presence in the lighting industry…. Read More…

  • EFC Welcomes Advance Electrical Agency Inc. as New CEMRA Member

    EFC Welcomes Advance Electrical Agency Inc. as New CEMRA Member

    Founded in 1997, Advance Electrical Agency supplies quality lighting and electrical products for residential, commercial, and industrial markets in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Northwestern Ontario. Its mission is to represent manufacturers professionally and support sales growth in its markets. The company is committed to providing clients with the right products for their needs at fair prices.… Read More…

Peers & Profiles

Copper US Dollar Price Per Pound