Single-family segment behind building permits increase

OTTAWA — The total value of building permits rose 1.7 percent to $8.1 billion in August, StatCan reports, driven by an increase in the residential sector in Ontario and Quebec. Permits issued for single-family homes rose 9.9 percent to $2.5 billion in August, continuing the upward trend observed since May. Eight provinces reported increases in this component, with Ontario accounting for more than half of the national gain, mostly due to permits issued in the census metropolitan areas of Toronto (+12.7 percent), Oshawa (+94.2 percent) and Brantford (+257.4 percent). Overall, the total value of residential permits increased by 7.1 percent to $5.6 billion.