According to Statistics Canada, investment in non-residential building construction decreased 1.2 percent to $12.9 billion in the first quarter, following three consecutive quarters of growth. This decline was largely the result of lower spending on the construction of commercial buildings.
Investment in the commercial component declined 1.9 percent to $7.7 billion. This was the second consecutive quarterly decrease in the component and was mainly the result of lower spending on the construction of retail and wholesale outlets and recreational buildings.
Investment in industrial projects decreased in six provinces in the first quarter, down 0.7 percent to $1.6 billion, following two consecutive quarters of growth. The decrease was mainly attributable to lower spending on the construction of primary industry buildings and, to a lesser extent, utilities buildings.
In the institutional component, investment edged up 0.1 percent to $3.5 billion, a fourth consecutive quarterly increase. The growth observed among several categories of institutional buildings, including medical facilities, nursing homes and retirement residences, more than offset the decline at educational institutions.