Construction activity recovering from pandemic low in second quarter

The dollar value of building permits on Vancouver Island fell by 14 per cent to $506.6 million in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the first quarter, largely the result of an industry slowdown due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions. However, permits issued began to increase each month through to June indicating the worst was over.

Residential permits held steady at $434 million in the first two quarters of 2020, though the number of dwelling units declined 21 per cent from the first quarter. Non-residential permits dropped overall by 54 per cent led by a 72 per cent drop in institutional-government permits and a 37 per cent decline in commercial permits. Industrial permits were down 28 per cent.

“On the positive side, permits did increase during the quarter and Victoria’s residential building construction investment spending surged in May 2020 to $163.49 million following a pandemic-related contraction in April,” said Rory Kulmala, CEO, Vancouver Island Construction Association.

Investment spending on non-residential building construction in the Victoria metropolitan area decreased nearly five per cent in May 2020 from the prior month, continuing a declining trend. Building construction cost increases were higher in residential than in the non-residential sector, and construction industry employment declined across the Island, with the largest decreases outside the Victoria metro area. 

“Despite the significant impacts of COVID-19 on our economy, the construction sector has remained active and has demonstrated its resiliency in these uncertain times. We will continue to be a key element towards our economic recovery” said Kulmala.

While record-low interest and mortgage rates are positive for the residential sector and investment spending, investment in commercial and industrial buildings looks to remain low until there is more clarity about future demand.

“We expect total building permits could post a small gain in 2020 and a larger one in 2021. However, if a second wave occurs or pandemic restrictions extend well into next year, large surges in construction activity will likely remain low this year and possibly next year,” Kulmala said.

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Arrange an interview with VICA CEO Rory Kulmala:

Owen O’Rourke, Communications Coordinator
Vancouver Island Construction Association
250.800.1722 | owen@vicabc.ca