According to Statistics Canada, new housing construction investment totaled $5.5 billion in September, up 8.9 percent compared to September 2016.
Increases in new housing investment were reported in eight provinces, with the largest gains in Alberta (+$154.3 million), Ontario (+$126.5 million) and Quebec (+$102.4 million). At the national level, Ontario ($2.2 billion), accounted for 40.7 percent of total investment, followed by British Columbia (20.7 percent), Alberta and Quebec (both at 15.1 percent). Quebec and New Brunswick were the only provinces that posted a year-over-year investment increase for all building types.
Investment in new housing construction was driven mainly by a $268.6 million increase in spending on single-family homes compared with September 2016. Investment in this component rose in eight provinces, led by Alberta (+$132.4 million).
Apartment building investment rose $38.0 million (+2.1 percent) compared with September 2016. Spending on apartment buildings was up in six provinces, led by Quebec (+$74.9 million). On the other hand, Ontario (-$31.7 million) declined on a year-over-year basis for a seventh consecutive month.
Investment in row unit construction rose 21.4 percent compared with September 2016, to $587.7 million. Seven provinces reported increased investment in this category, led by Ontario (+$82.8 million). The $103.6 million increase in row units accounted for nearly one-quarter of the total gain in new housing construction spending, despite only representing about 10 percent of total investment for all types of building.