The total value of investment in building construction decreased by $741.9 million to $22.3 billion in April. Investment in the residential sector decreased 4.5%, while the non-residential sector edged down 0.3%.

Investment in residential building construction declined by $723 million to $15.5 billion. This decrease was primarily driven by the multi-unit component (-$441.1 million to $8.7 billion), with smaller losses in the single-family component (-$281.9 million to $6.8 billion).

Ontario (-$410.3 million) led the national decrease in the multi-unit component, with declines recorded in six provinces and all the territories. Meanwhile, British Columbia (+$69.3 million) led the increases in the remaining provinces.

Ontario (-$181.0 million) also led the national decline in single-family home construction.

Meanwhile, the value of non-residential investment in building construction edged down by a more modest $18.9 million to $6.8 billion in April. Decreases in the commercial (-1.0%) and industrial (-0.8%) components were mitigated by gains in the institutional component (+1.3%).

The commercial sector declined by $33.6 million to $3.3 billion in April. Decreases were recorded in seven provinces and two territories, led by Ontario (-$23.2 million).

Investment in the industrial sector decreased $11.1 million to $1.4 billion in April. Quebec (-$6.1 million) led the decline.

Meanwhile, the institutional component grew by $25.8 million to $2.1 billion. Gains were observed in seven provinces and two territories, led by Alberta (+$13.1 million). Quebec (-$12.7 million) led the decreases observed in the remaining provinces and territory.