Building permits edge down in February

OTTAWA — Canadian municipalities issued $7.5 billion worth of building permits in February, down 2.5% from January, according to new StatCan data. Ontario and Alberta led the five provinces that reported declines in February. The national decrease was mainly the result of lower construction intentions for single-family dwellings and institutional structures. Residential permits fell 1.5% from January to $5 billion in February, but remained just above the $5 billion mark for a second consecutive month. The decline in single-family construction intentions was moderated by an increase in the multi-family component.