Building permits

Saskatchewan's building permit increases led Canada in 2011 with a 25 per cent increase over 2010, according to Statistics Canada.

Saskatchewan's growth outpaced the 1.7 per cent national rise. Building permits totalled $2.6 billion in 2011, the highest on record, beating the previous figure of $2.2 billion in 2008. Saskatoon and Regina also set building permit records.

"Saskatchewan has more people than ever before, we have more jobs than ever before and every day new homes and businesses are being built to make this province a great place to work and raise a family," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "Economic growth is about more than numbers, it's about people and a 25 per cent increase in building permits means that communities across the province are seeing the benefits of growth in their neighbourhoods."

Building permits totalled $2.6 billion in 2011. Non-residential building permits (seasonally-unadjusted) increased by 26.3 per cent in 2011, compared to 2010, while residential permits were up by 24.5 per cent. Saskatchewan ranked first in annual growth rates of both residential building permits and non-residential building permits. Neighbouring Alberta was second with an 11.3 per cent increase in building permit values and Manitoba was third with a 6.0 per cent increase.

"Saskatchewan is on track to again see more jobs and more opportunities for businesses as our economy continues to move forward," Harrison said. "The opportunities are here, and we welcome new investment and new people to our province that are keeping Saskatchewan moving forward."