RECORD BUILDING PERMIT VALUES IN SASKATCHEWAN

The Saskatchewan construction industry had a busy summer, with building permits in the province for the month of July totalling $297.9 million (seasonally unadjusted). This was the highest value of permits issued in Saskatchewan since figures were first recorded in 1956.

Saskatchewan's building permits jumped by 89.3 per cent over July of last year, well above the 5.7 per cent increase recorded on a national basis.

The value of permits for non-residential construction was up from last July by 150.4 per cent to $187.8 million, the largest increase among the provinces. For residential construction, July permits also increased by 33.7 per cent, the third-highest percentage increase in the nation.

"Record building permits in the province is indicative of the Saskatchewan economy today," Enterprise and Innovation Minister Lyle Stewart said. "The high levels of construction on both a non-residential and residential basis will benefit businesses and families in the short-term and well into our future."

On a seasonally adjusted basis, building permits in Saskatchewan were up 47.6 per cent between June 2008 and July 2008. That was the second highest increase among the provinces, with Manitoba recording a 58 per cent increase.

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For more information, contact:

Deb Young
Enterprise and Innovation
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6315