Municipalities issued $7.3 billion worth of building permits in August, up 10.4% from July. This marked the second consecutive monthly increase. The gain in August was mainly attributable to higher construction intentions in Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia.

The value of residential building permits was up 9.6% to $4.5 billion in August, following four consecutive monthly declines. Both residential components-multi-family and single-family dwellings-recorded gains. Six provinces posted increases, led by Ontario and British Columbia.

In the non-residential sector, municipalities issued $2.9 billion worth of permits in August, up 11.6% from July. The increase was mainly attributable to higher construction intentions for commercial buildings and, to a lesser extent, industrial buildings. Gains were reported in five provinces, led by Quebec, followed distantly by Manitoba.