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OTTAWA — Statistics Canada has reported that investment in building construction edged up 0.2 per cent to $21 billion in August, after a 1.6-per-cent decrease in July.

The residential sector edged down (0.1 per cent) to $14.6 billion, while the non-residential sector was up 1.0 per cent to $6.4 billion. Year-over-year, investment in building construction grew 7.2 per cent in August.

On a constant dollar basis, investment in building construction was virtually unchanged at $12.8 billion in August compared with the previous month, but grew 4.2 per cent year- over-year.

Monthly decreases were recorded in four provinces, led by Quebec (down $126.4 million). These declines were tempered by increases in six provinces and the three territories, with Ontario leading the gains.

Single-family home investment edged up 0.1 per cent ($9 million) to $6.7 billion in August, following a decline of 2.2 per cent in July. Monthly declines in five provinces, led by Ontario ($29.9 million), were offset by gains observed in the remaining provinces and the three territories.

Investment in multi-unit construction fell 0.3 per cent ($23.1 million) to $7.9 billion in August, which offset the slight growth in the single-family component. Declines were recorded in five provinces, with Quebec (minus $121.9 million) leading the way and marking its second consecutive monthly decrease. These declines were mitigated by growth in Ontario ($125.5 million), which recorded its third monthly increase in a row.

Investment in non-residential construction reached $6.4 billion in August, setting a record high level for the sector.

Institutional construction investment rose 1.3 per cent (up $24.2 million) to reach a record high of $1.8 billion in August, driven by Ontario (up $18.3 million) and with increases also recorded in six other provinces and territories. Ontario recorded its 14th straight monthly growth in the sector.

The industrial component grew 1.9 per cent (up $25.3 million) to $1.4 billion in the month, led by British Columbia (up $14.5 million). Ontario (plus $11.6 million) and Alberta (up $6.1 million) also contributed to a rise in the industrial component.

Commercial construction investment grew 0.4 per cent (plus $13.7 million) to $3.2 billion in August, driven by British Columbia ($12.0 million) and Ontario ($11.5 million).