The national decline was led by a significant drop in permit values in Ontario, at -$771 million.

The OCS conducted its survey prior to the escalating trade war between Canada and the United States, and plans to go back out to the industry to study potential effects.

The tariffs will likely drive up costs for American companies that use the metals, such as automakers, construction firms and beverage makers that use cans.

All countries, including Canada, were hit Wednesday with 25 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports into the United States — part of Trump's attempts to realign global trade.

The associations want to see municipal governments adopt standardized road-building specifications and procurement practices to reduce costs and increase efficiencies.