According to Statistics Canada, investment in Canadian building construction increased by 2.7 percent to $20.9 billion in April. Gains were reported in both the residential (+3.2 percent) and the non-residential sectors (+1.4 percent).
Residential construction investment rose for a seventh consecutive month, up 3.2 percent to $15.7 billion in April. British Columbia (+8.3 percent) led the way and reached a record high.
Investment in single family homes increased 4.5 percent to $8.8 billion, with gains in seven provinces. Conversely, Saskatchewan reported the largest decrease in investment (-12.5 percent), after being up six of the seven previous months.
Multi-unit construction investment advanced 1.5 percent to $6.9 billion, with British Columbia behind much of the component's advance.
Investment in the non-residential construction sector advanced 1.4 percent in April, with seven provinces posting increases.
Investment in industrial construction increased 1.7 percent to $931 million, with Ontario accounting for most of the net growth.
Commercial investment advanced 1.5 percent to $2.9 billion. Nine provinces reported growth, with a notable retail project in Vancouver contributing significantly to the month.
Institutional investment rose 1.0 percent to $1.4 billion, its fourth consecutive monthly advance. Growth was led by Quebec, with a federal building in Shawinigan designed for the Canada Revenue Agency and Employment and Social Development Canada.