Building Permits in Canada Dip 0.1% to $11.9 Billion in July

URGENT UPDATE: Statistics Canada has just announced a 0.1% decline in the total value of building permits for July 2025, bringing the total to $11.9 billion. This decrease, driven by a significant drop in the non-residential sector, highlights shifting trends in Canadian construction.

The non-residential permits plummeted by 5.8% to $4.6 billion, raising concerns about investment in commercial and industrial spaces. However, the residential sector showed resilience, with permits rising 3.8% to $7.3 billion. Notably, permits for single-family homes surged by 5.9% to $2.6 billion, while multi-unit construction intentions increased by 2.7% to $4.7 billion.

In total, 20,000 multi-unit dwellings and 4,100 single-family homes were authorized in July, marking a 1.9% increase from the previous month. This surge in residential permits illustrates a growing demand for housing amidst ongoing market fluctuations.

On a constant dollar basis, the total value of building permits fell by 0.3% from June, and 8.2% year-over-year, indicating broader economic challenges. The report underscores the complex landscape of the Canadian construction industry as it navigates changing demands.

As the construction sector adapts to these developments, industry experts will be closely monitoring trends in both residential and non-residential building permits. The implications of these changes could significantly impact housing availability and economic growth across Canada.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.