The total value of building construction investment push past the $20-billion mark again in April.

Statistics Canada reports that overall investment in building construction rose by 2.7% to $20.9 billion for the month. Both the residential and non-residential sectors reported gains.

Residential construction investment rose for a seventh consecutive month, up 3.2% to $15.7 billion in April. British Columbia (+8.3%) led the way and reached a record high.

Investment in single-family homes increased 4.5% to $8.8 billion, with gains in seven provinces. Conversely, Saskatchewan reported the largest decrease in investment (-12.5%), after being up six of the seven previous months.

Multi-unit construction investment rose 1.5% to $6.9 billion, with British Columbia behind much of the component's advance.

Investment in the non-residential construction sector, meanwhile, rose for the ninth month in a row, increasing by 1.4%. Seven provinces posted gains.

Investment in industrial construction increased 1.7% to $931 million, with Ontario accounting for most of the net growth.

Commercial investment advanced 1.5% to $2.9 billion. Nine provinces reported growth, with a notable retail project in Vancouver contributing significantly to the month.

Institutional investment rose 1.0% to $1.4 billion, its fourth consecutive monthly advance. Growth was led by Quebec, with a federal building in Shawinigan designed for the Canada Revenue Agency and Employment and Social Development Canada.