Statistics Canada reports that the total value of Canadian building permits increased 10.3% in March, rising $1.3 billion to $13.5 billion, driven primarily by strong growth in the non-residential construction sector. Gains in institutional, industrial, and commercial construction offset weaker residential activity.

On a constant dollar basis (2023=100), total building permit values increased 10.1% month over month and 4.8% year over year, highlighting continued momentum in Canadian construction intentions.

The non-residential sector climbed $1.5 billion to $5.5 billion in March, led by major institutional construction activity.

The institutional component increased $817.1 million to $1.8 billion, supported largely by British Columbia, particularly the Vancouver CMA, where permits for medical institutions fueled growth.

Industrial construction intentions also strengthened, rising $473.2 million to $1.5 billion, driven mainly by Ontario and supported by Quebec. Meanwhile, the commercial sector grew $238 million to $2.2 billion, with gains recorded across seven provinces and two territories.

Canada’s residential building permit values declined 3.3% to $8.0 billion in March, weighed down by lower multi-family construction intentions.

The multi-family segment fell $270.9 million to $5.3 billion, with declines concentrated in Ontario and Quebec. Growth in British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and several other regions partially offset the slowdown.

The single-family component remained stable at $2.7 billion, as decreases in Alberta were balanced by gains in Ontario, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia.

For Q1 2026, total building permit values increased 1.1% to $39.0 billion.

The residential sector led quarterly gains, rising 2.4% to $22.2 billion. Single-family construction posted its first quarterly increase after four consecutive declines, supported by Ontario and Quebec. Multi-family intentions also rose, though weaker activity in Alberta moderated growth.

Across Canada, 68,500 residential units were authorized in the first quarter, down from 71,000 units during the same period in 2025.

Non-residential construction intentions declined slightly in Q1, as decreases in the commercial and institutional sectors outweighed strong industrial gains.

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