Permits down slightly in 2013

OTTAWA — The total value of building permits issued by Canadian municipalities declined 4.1% to $6.5 billion in December, following a 6.6% decrease in November, StatCan reported. Lower construction intentions for commercial buildings and multi-family dwellings in Ontario and British Columbia were responsible for much of the decrease at the national level in December. The total value of building permits for 2013 edged down 0.1% from 2012 to $80.8 billion. The total value of permits in the residential sector fell for a second consecutive month, down 9.3% to $3.7 billion in December and the lowest level since March 2013. Lower construction intentions were posted in all provinces except Quebec and New Brunswick. Overall for the year, the total value of residential building permits amounted to $48.3 billion, almost unchanged from the total value reached in 2012.