RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION SPRINGS FORWARD IN APRIL

Saskatchewan's year-over-year growth in the number of residential building permits issued led the nation in April 2010.

Residential permits for the month were up by 110.7 per cent over April 2009 (seasonally adjusted). British Columbia (90.8 per cent) and Manitoba (84.2 per cent) were second and third among the provinces, respectively.

Overall, Saskatchewan residential and non-residential permits combined increased by 57.1 per cent (seasonally-adjusted).

"Housing construction in Saskatchewan is setting the pace for the country this spring, and when you look at factors like our population growth, it's easy to understand what is driving this activity," Enterprise Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "The opportunities that exist right now to work and live here are having a ripple effect throughout the province, in terms of people and business. Our job is to help ensure this prosperity is encouraged and sustained."

Non-residential building permits increased and were up by 18.3 per cent in April 2010, compared to April 2009 (seasonally-adjusted).

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For more information, contact:

Jamie Shanks
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2202
Email: jamie.shanks@enterprisesask.ca