First quarter investment in non-residential construction gained 3.1% compared to the previous quarter, Statistics Canada reported Thursday.
The gain to $14.1 billion was the fourth consecutive quarterly increase and, although all sectors benefitted (industrial, commercial, institutional), it was commercial that led the rise, up $193.5 million.
Ontario led increases for nine provinces with a $300.7 million rise, followed by BC ($58.3m) and Quebec ($47.6m).
Ontario’s gains were driven by Toronto, while the rise for British Columbia centred on the Vancouver and Abbotsford CMAs.
The only province to post a quarterly decrease was Saskatchewan, down 14.1 million with institutional construction investment the largest drag ($20m).
