The value of Canadian building permits issued in August surged far more than expected on higher construction intentions for condominiums and commercial buildings, data from Statistics Canada showed on Thursday.
The 10.4 per cent increase well exceeded economists’ expectations for a 3.0 per cent gain. July was revised up to a rise of 3.4 per cent from the previously reported 0.8 per cent.
Permits for residential buildings increased 9.6 per cent, driven by a 14.7 per cent jump in multi-family dwellings, which include condominiums, apartments and townhouses. It was the third month out of four that the segment has increased.
Plans to build single-family homes rose 6.0 per cent, with higher construction intentions seen in Ontario and Alberta, which is still recovering from prolonged weakness in oil prices.
Non-residential permits rose 11.6 per cent on higher intentions to build retail complexes and recreational buildings. Industrial permits also rose on plans to build utilities facilities.
