Building permits rise in Western Canada in March

OTTAWA ― Canadian municipalities issued $8.1 billion worth of building permits in March, StatCan reported, up 2.1% from February. The increase was attributable to higher construction intentions in Western Canada. Four provinces reported increases in March, led by British Columbia with an increase of 12.8%, or $180 million. Meanwhile, all provinces east of Manitoba reported declines. The largest decrease was in Ontario, down 1.4% ($43 million) due to lower construction intentions in the residential sector. Municipalities issued $4.8 billion worth of residential permits in March, down 1.5% from February. The decline was largely attributable to lower construction intentions in Ontario (down $102 million) and Quebec (down $99 million).