Got content? Share it!
  • Leaderboard - CMiC - December 2025
  • CONEXPO 2026 - Leaderboard - Jan - July
  • CCE 2026 - Leaderboard
  • CCA Conference 2026 - Leaderboard
  • Cooper Equipment Rentals - Leaderboard
  • Style meets Safety - dentec Leaderboard
  • Keith Leaderboard - July 2025
  • leaderboard - ODACC
  • Procore Leaderboard - April 24
  • Revizto - Leaderboard - Nov and Dec 2025
October 2025 - Canadian Building Permits
December 12, 2025

Multi-Family Housing Leads Canada’s Building Permit Surge in October

Join 7,000 + Construction Pros! Subscribe for FREE
Thanks for subscribing!

According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, the total value of building permits issued nationwide in October 2025 rose $1.8 billion (+14.9%), reaching $13.8 billion. This significant monthly growth was primarily driven by the residential construction sector, with notable contributions from the non-residential sector as well.

On a constant dollar basis (2023=100), October’s total permit values were also up 14.9% month-over-month and 5.9% year-over-year, signaling continued momentum in construction activity across the country.

Residential Sector Drives Growth

Residential building permits surged by $1.1 billion (+14.6%), totaling $8.6 billion in October. The multi-family dwelling segment was the key contributor, increasing by $1.0 billion to $5.9 billion. The largest jump came from Ontario (+$876.4 million), with the Toronto CMA accounting for nearly $409 million of that growth. Quebec followed with an increase of $81.4 million.

The single-family home component saw a modest rise of $47.0 million, reaching $2.6 billion, with Alberta contributing the most (+$28.7 million).

In total, 24,300 multi-family dwellings and 4,100 single-family homes were authorized in October—a 13.6% increase from September. Year-to-date, Canada is averaging 21,500 multi-family units per month, compared to 19,100 during the same period in 2024.

Non-Residential Sector Sees Strong Commercial and Institutional Gains

The non-residential sector also experienced growth, rising $702.8 million to $5.3 billion in October. The commercial component led the way with a gain of $394.9 million, driven largely by office building permits in Toronto. Ontario accounted for the majority of this increase (+$392.3 million), although declines in six provinces and two territories tempered the overall growth.

The institutional component increased by $311.8 million, with British Columbia leading the charge (+$132.2 million). Eight other provinces also reported gains in institutional permit values.

The industrial component, however, edged down by $3.9 million, mainly due to a significant decline in Quebec (-$118.6 million). Gains in Ontario (+$71.2 million) and British Columbia (+$24.4 million) helped offset some of the loss.

Outlook

These figures reflect strong construction demand—especially in multi-residential and commercial segments—despite regional fluctuations and sector-specific volatility. The October 2025 data suggests a robust pipeline of building activity across Canada as municipalities respond to both housing needs and infrastructure investment.


Explore related articles you won’t want to miss:

How Digital Networking is Transforming the Construction Sector

AI is the New Search Engine: How to Keep Your Construction Brand Visible

  • Navigating Risk - West - Box
  • CCA Conference 2026 - Box