Saskatchewan building permits surge in July

REGINA — The value of building permits in Saskatchewan surged 86.2 per cent (seasonally adjusted) in 2022 compared to July 2021, reaching $286 million according to data released Sept. 1 by Statistics Canada.

Compared to June 2022, building permit volume in Saskatchewan also showed strong growth with an increase of 28.2 per cent (seasonally adjusted), the second highest increase among the provinces, a provincial government release stated.

“Today’s outstanding July 2022 building permit numbers are just another sign of Saskatchewan’s continued growth and economic strength. Saskatchewan has one of the most competitive business environments in all of Canada, and we will continue to create jobs and opportunities for the people of Saskatchewan,” provincial Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said.

Residential and non-residential permits increased 86.7 per and 85.9 per cent, respectively, and investment in building construction in June 2022 also put Saskatchewan first among Canadian provinces with an increase of 63 per cent year-over-year, and 17.6 per cent month-to-month.

Saskatchewan also was second in both urban housing starts and merchandise exports in June 2022, with year-over-year increases of 35.6 per cent and 57.3 per cent, respectively, the release stated.