GTA Construction News staff writer
The total value of building permits in Canada fell sharply in November, down $1.8 billion (13.1%) to $12.0 billion, as both residential and non-residential construction sectors reported lower activity.
Residential construction intentions dropped $1.0 billion (12.0%) to $7.5 billion, with Ontario accounting for the largest decrease (-$884.5 million) after leading gains in October.
The multi-family segment saw a $1.0 billion decline to $4.9 billion, primarily driven by lower activity in Ontario (-$928.1 million) and Quebec (-$263.8 million), partially offset by gains in British Columbia (+$196.9 million). Single-family permits were largely unchanged, edging down $3.8 million to $2.6 billion as increases in seven provinces and one territory were balanced by a drop in Quebec (-$80.5 million).
Municipalities authorized 11.4% fewer dwellings than in October. On a year-over-year basis, the total number of multi-family dwellings approved between December 2024 and November 2025 rose to 259,300, up from 224,700 in the previous 12 months.
Non-residential permits fell $788.2 million (14.9%) to $4.5 billion, with decreases across commercial (-$422.6 million), institutional (-$318.9 million), and industrial (-$46.7 million) categories.
Ontario led the drop in commercial permits (-$250.7 million), particularly in the Toronto area (-$233.8 million), while six provinces and two territories posted lower commercial values overall. Institutional permits declined in nine provinces and two territories, led by Ontario (-$140.7 million) and Alberta (-$99.4 million). Industrial permits fell mainly in Quebec (-$79.0 million), British Columbia (-$41.4 million), and Manitoba (-$39.9 million), although gains in Ontario (+$93.0 million) and other regions partially offset the decrease.
