Contractors took out building permits worth $8.0 billion in July, up 20.7% from June. The total value of building permits continued to trend upward on the strength of six gains in seven months. The increase in July came mainly from higher construction intentions for commercial buildings in Ontario, Alberta and Quebec. In the non-residential sector, the total value of building permits rose 45.5% to $3.9 billion in July. Ontario, Quebec and Alberta accounted for most of the increase. Decreases were recorded in four provinces, led by New Brunswick. Following a 12.8% decline in June, the total value of permits in the ... (full story)