
Construction activity recovering from pandemic low in second quarter
Construction activity recovering from pandemic low in second quarter
Victoria, BC (August 12, 2020) - 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.
Click here to download the entire report.
Arrange an interview with VICA CEO Rory Kulmala:
Owen O’Rourke, Communications Coordinator
Vancouver Island Construction Association
250.800.1722 | owen@vicabc.ca

HeroWork & CCSPI Named Top 100 Recovery Projects
B.C. government provides financial assistance for construction training

Q3 Building Permits rebound, Island-wide

Five Industry Leaders Elected to VICA Board

CCA: Growth plan must include strategy for swift flow of funds to be effective, says Canadian Construction Association
VICA Members win big at VIREB Commercial Building Awards

Construction activity recovering from pandemic low in second quarter

VICA Supports Employer's Forum submission to WSBC

VICA and VIHA partner for PPE Donation

Important updates from VICA regarding COVID-19

COVID-19 & Construction: 7 Simple Steps to Keep Your Crew Healthy On Site & In The Office

Leonard Brody, Business & Technology Visionary, invites you to the 2020 Vancouver Island Constuction Conference

Loud and Proud in Pink Shirts: VICA Members spread the word that it's cool to be kind
BC Construction Association's take on the recently announced Budget 2020
.jpg)
City of Powell River: Developers update progress on airport investment

Connecting Communities, Creating Opportunities: VICA, Hazelwood, Scotiabank, Canwest & Pinchin at ABM Indigenous: Vancouver Island
Victoria 3.0 Pivoting to a Higher Economy 2020-2041 | Draft Economic Action Plan

City of Powell River seeks public input on Recreation Complex upgrades

VICA Members donate over $20,000 in toys and groceries to Vancouver Island families in need

CCA displeased by Supreme Court of Canada decision to dismiss appeal on use of reprisal clauses in BC

Inaugural Builders Code Champion Awards Celebrate Construction Sector Leadership

RFI: Re-establish fish passage in the Fraser River in response to the Big Bar Landslide

BCCA Celebrates National Construction Day with New Worksite Behavior Training App

SR&ED credit writing initiative launched to boost innovation in the Canadian construction industry
Resources
BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!
The construction industry is a dynamic and exciting realm that faces both unique challenges and extraordinary opportunities. By joining VICA, you not only build your business, but you also build up the industry you're proud to be a part of.
JOIN NOW