Q1 composite price index for non-residential construction up 1 per cent

According a recent report by Statistics Canada, the composite price index for non-residential building construction increased one per cent in the first quarter of 2012, when compared to the previous quarter.

The increase was largely due to continued strength within the construction sector, which resulted in higher prices for some construction materials, particularly in Western Canada.

Out of the seven census metropolitan areas (CMAs) surveyed, Edmonton reported the highest quarterly increase (1.7 per cent), with Vancouver and Calgary both experiencing increases of 1.6 per cent. Toronto and Ottawa-Gatineau (Ontario section) experienced the smallest gains with an increase of 0.5 per cent.

Edmonton also led the year-over-year composite price index for non-residential building construction, with an increase of 4.6 per cent. Calgary recorded the second highest increase at 4.5 per cent, while Halifax experienced the smallest gains at 2.3 per cent.

Source: Statistics Canada