The total value of Canadian building permits declined 2.3 per cent on a monthly basis in June. The decline was the result of lower construction intentions for residential buildings after a strong May.

In BC, the total value of permits fell 1.8 per cent on a monthly basis with non-residential permits posting a 7.8 per cent decline while residential permits were essentially flat. Year-over-year, total permit values were up 6.6 per cent to $1.45 billion as residential permits rose nearly 14 per cent to $1.16 billion.

Construction intentions in June were down in three of BC's four census metropolitan areas (CMA):

• Permits in the Abbotsford-Mission CMA fell 27 per cent on a monthly basis to $31.9 million. Year-over-year, permit values were down 26 per cent.

• In the Victoria CMA, total construction intentions were up 9.2 per cent to $160.4 million, a nearly 30 per cent rise over this time last year.

• In the Kelowna CMA, permits fell 12.3 per cent on a monthly basis, but were up 20.5 per cent year-over-year to $95.5 million.

• The Vancouver CMA recorded permit activity valued at $832.6 million, a 2.6 per cent decline from May and roughly flat year-over-year.

Copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.