Saskatchewan posted excellent figures for non-residential construction in the second quarter of 2012, with a 6.0 per cent increase from the first quarter, the highest percentage gain among the provinces and well ahead of the 1.8 per cent recorded nationally. Non-residential construction in the province totalled $426 million in the second quarter, the highest on record for that period (seasonally adjusted).
"Large industrial and commercial projects are contributing to Saskatchewan's strong growth rate in 2012," Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. "The record numbers for non-residential construction are a good sign that 2012 is turning out to be an excellent year on the economic front."
Non-residential construction was also up annually, increasing 21.4 per cent over the second quarter of 2011, the second best growth rate in the nation. Saskatoon had the second highest increase among major Canadian cities, up 34.4 per cent over the same period last year.
"The size of these projects attracts highly skilled labour and provides opportunities for Saskatchewan businesses," Boyd said. "With record numbers in non-residential construction, and with several projects underway, this is definitely having a positive effect on our economy for both the short and the long term."
