SASKATCHEWAN RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITS UP 79.1 PER CENT

Saskatchewan's residential building permits increased by 79.1 per cent over September 2011 according to a report released today by Statistics Canada. Overall, building permits in the province improved by 39.0 per cent, the third highest increase among the provinces.

"Saskatchewan's construction industry is extremely active right now," Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. "On the residential front that demand is a combination of our increasing population and a strong economy that's contributing to an increase of new homes."

Regina's building permits jumped 225.0 per cent on a year over year basis, the highest increase among major Canadian cities. Saskatoon was also up by 19.1 per cent.

"The level of construction has a huge impact on our overall economic progress," Boyd said. "Today's report is definitely a good indicator that our economy is moving forward, creating jobs and business opportunities in every corner of our province."

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For more information, contact:

Deb Young
Economy
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6315
Email: deb.young@gov.sk.ca