Single-family building permits edge up in August

The total value of building permits in Canada decreased 2.1 percent to $9.7 billion in August, StatCan reports. Although most provinces reported increases, notable declines in Ontario and B.C. pulled the national results lower compared with July. Residential permits fell by 8.3 percent to $6.4 billion, the lowest level since March. Single-family intentions however rose slightly by 1.2 percent, led by a 15.7 percent gain in Quebec.