Statistics Canada says the value of Building Permits in Saskatchewan fell about 10 per cent in March from the month before. This, at a time when nationally, the value rose 5.7 per cent. Saskatchewan and Manitoba were the only provinces in negative territory. Compared to the same month a year ago, our numbers were off about 15 per cent. Nationally, they were up about 45 per cent. Nova Scotia was the only other province posting on the negative side of the ledger. The total value of permits in Saskatchewan in March was $123.8 million.
In the Saskatoon census metropolitan area, the value fell about 20 per cent compared to the month before. Nationally the average was a rise of about 10 per cent. Of 22 centres measured, 10 found themselves in decline. Compared to the same month a year before, the value was up about 33 per cent. The national average was an increase of 39.3 per cent. The total value in the Saskatoon CMA was $62.9 million.