Published: Monday September 30, 3019

According to Statistics Canada, the total investment in building construction increased slightly—by 0.5 percent—to $15.2 billion in July. Gains in both the residential and non-residential sectors helped spur the increase. Investment in the residential sector grew by 0.6 percent to $10.4 billion, while investment in the non-residential sector rose by 0.3 percent to $4.8 billion.

On a constant dollar basis, investment in building construction increased 0.8 percent to $12.8 billion.

The multi-unit residential component was the only investment component to post a decline for the month of July, down 1.6 percent to $5.2 billion, mainly as a result of decreases in British Columbia (-$149.9 million) and Saskatchewan (-$43.8 million). Investment in single-unit construction was up 2.9 percent to $5.2 billion, driven by Ontario (+$139.3 million) and Nova Scotia (+$32.6 million). This increase more than offset the decline in investment in multi-unit construction.

The commercial (+0.3 percent to $2.8 billion), industrial (+0.2 percent to $911.1 million) and institutional components (+0.1 percent to $1.1 billion) were all up slightly in July.

On an unadjusted basis, investment in new non-residential building construction grew 3.3 percent to $2.3 billion, led by the province of Quebec (+9.4 percent to $404.7 million). This was attributable in part to projects such as a government building valued at $151.0 million in the newly developing eco-neighborhood of Estimauville in the city of Québec.

Overall construction investment increased in Ontario by 11.6 percent to $6.7 billion. Investment in the province’s residential sector grew by 14.5 percent to $4.9 billion, while investment in the non-residential sector increased by 4.3 percent to $1.7 billion.

Published: Friday September 27, 2019

The Niagara Construction Association hosted its annual Membership Appreciation Day and Tradeshow on September 26.

A record number of members and exhibitors shared the opportunity to socialize, meet new members, and catch up with long time industry friends in the spirit of membership camaraderie. Members participated in games, and visited 16 exhibitor booths to learn about new products and services.

Keynote speaker Barry Wright, CEO of the Niagara 2021 Canada Games, spoke about the infrastructure investment announcement, and the economic and cultural benefits that the games will bring to the Niagara region.

“Thank you to everyone who participated, our generous sponsors, the exhibitors, and for all of the raffle prizes donated,” says NCA general manager Karin Sheldrick. “We had a great day and a great lunch of fried chicken, fresh Niagara region corn, salads and homemade pie in a beautiful outdoor pavilion setting.”