JULY BUILDING PERMITS TOPS IN CANADA WITH 85 PER CENT GROWTH

Activity in the province's construction industry continues to lead the country and power the Saskatchewan economy full steam ahead.

Saskatchewan's year-over-year building permit increases ranked number one in Canada in July according to a report released by Statistics Canada today, up 85.7 per cent in July 2011 over July 2010 (seasonally adjusted).

"Saskatchewan is leading the country as our construction workers are stepping up to build new homes for families and new spaces for entrepreneurs to do business," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "With more jobs available and high business confidence, it's not surprising to see such strong housing demand and construction activity in the commercial and industrial sectors."

Building permits were up by 11.6 per cent on a national basis on an annual comparison. Saskatchewan's residential permits were up by 88.5 per cent and non-residential permits rose by 83.4 per cent over the same period.

Regina ranked fourth among major Canadian cities as permits increased by 155.7 per cent between July 2010 and July 2011.

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For more information, contact:

Deb Young
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6315
Email: deb.young@enterprisesask.ca