NON-RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION UP IN FIRST QUARTER OF 2010

Statistics Canada released investment figures today for non-residential construction that show Saskatchewan had the second-highest percentage increase in the nation in the first quarter of 2010, up 6.0 per cent compared to the first quarter of 2009 (seasonally-adjusted). New Brunswick was first at 16.4 per cent. The other eight provinces all showed decreases in this period. Nationally, non-residential construction was down by 5.7 per cent.

In the first-quarter of 2010, non-residential construction investment in Saskatchewan totalled $379 million, up from the $357 million recorded in the first-quarter of 2009. The first quarter figure was down slightly by 1.2 per cent from the fourth quarter of 2009 (seasonally-adjusted).

Investment in non-residential construction was up in Regina in the first quarter of 2010 by 30.9 per cent, compared to the first quarter of 2009, and down in Saskatoon by 14.2 per cent in the same period.

"Construction activity is a great indicator of economic progress, especially on the non-residential front," Enterprise Saskatchewan Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "We continue to hear about the numerous projects under various stages of construction, including some that are still in the planning stages and look forward to maintaining this growth."

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For more information, contact:

Deb Young
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-798-0503
Email: Deb.Young@enterprisesask.ca