Residential Sector Drives 3.8% Increase in February Building Construction Investment

Residential Sector

Apr 29, 2019

Total investment in building construction increased in February, up 3.8% from January to $15.3 billion. This increase was primarily due to investment growth in the residential sector (+5.4% to $11.0 billion), while the non-residential sector remained unchanged at $4.4 billion. On a constant dollar basis (2012=100), investment in building construction rose 3.9% to $13.0 billion.

Investment in residential building construction

The increase in total residential investment for February was driven by strength in multi-unit dwellings (+8.4% to $5.5 billion), while investment in single family homes rose more modestly (+2.6% to $5.5 billion).

The gain in residential investment was primarily due to renovation work, up $1.1 billion from the previous year.

Investment in non-residential building construction

Within the non-residential sector, investment in commercial building construction exceeded $2.5 billion, a record level. This gain reflected a 2.2% increase in Quebec, which was mainly driven by a multiplex sports facility being built in the city of Gatineau.

The industrial component rose 0.7% to $839 million in February. A new marijuana production facility for Canopy Growth Corporation in the City of Fredericton stimulated investment in New Brunswick, up 6.4% for the month.

The national decline in institutional construction investment (-1.0% to $988 million) was due primarily to the continuing decline in investment for maturing hospital projects in Alberta and Ontario. This was partly offset by an increase of $2 million in Quebec, reflecting continued investment in the Montréal Heart Institute.

Source: Statistics Canada, https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/190423/dq190423c-eng.htm

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • E.B. Horsman & Son Announces Maxim Laberge as New Process Instrumentation Manager

    E.B. Horsman & Son Announces Maxim Laberge as New Process Instrumentation Manager

    EB Horsman is excited to welcome Maxim Laberge as its new Process Instrumentation Manager. Maxim brings over 25 years of experience in electrical, instrumentation, and control systems, with a proven record in business development, client engagement, and strategic project leadership. He is known for his consultative approach, combining technical insight with a strong focus on… Read More…

  • E.B. Horsman & Son Announces Stephen Murray as New Calgary Branch Manager

    E.B. Horsman & Son Announces Stephen Murray as New Calgary Branch Manager

    EB Horsman & Son is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Murray as Branch Manager of its Calgary location, effective Tuesday, September 3, 2025. Stephen brings over two decades of experience in the industrial automation sector, where he has built a strong reputation for driving growth, expanding market presence, and developing high-performing teams. His… Read More…


Peers & Profiles