Released on February 10, 2011
Saskatchewan's building permits were the second-highest ever recorded according to Statistics Canada in a report released on February 7, 2011.
Building permits in 2010 totalled $2.1 billion (seasonally unadjusted), just shy of the $2.2 billion recorded in 2008. Residential permits were up 42.2 per cent on average between 2009 and 2010, the second highest percentage increase among the provinces.
"Building permits for 2010 were the second-best on record, surpassed only by 2008 when our economy had the highest overall economic growth in Canada," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "We hit record population numbers last year, and new residents contributed to strong residential construction right across the province. Our province continues to move forward."
Out of all Saskatchewan cities, Melville had the highest percentage increase in overall building permits in 2010 when compared with 2009, followed by Weyburn, Prince Albert and Melfort. In residential building permits, Humboldt recorded the highest increase with Estevan placing second and Saskatoon third.
"Looking back on 2010, we had a great year in the province," Harrison said. "In 2011, we are confident many areas of the economy will again be hitting record or near record statistics as Saskatchewan continues to be viewed as a premiere place to live and do business."
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For more information, contact:
Deb Young
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-798-0503
Email: Deb.Young@enterprisesask.ca