Some of the latest numbers concerning building permits in Saskatchewan are showing that both locally and across the province growth is being seen.
The latest numbers from Statistics Canada showed continued growth for building permits provincially, with a 13.8 per cent increase for year-over-year growth for October 2024 compared to October 2023.
"This continued growth in building permits shows more people are choosing to make long-term investments in Saskatchewan," Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said. "New permits being issued create jobs and opportunities for the people of Saskatchewan, with lasting benefits for our communities. This is a direct result of our competitive business environment and ongoing affordability measures, keeping our province the most attractive place in the country for new investment."
Meanwhile, locally the October 2024 statistics outpaced the 2023 statistics, with 40 permits issued in total over the year compared to 2023's 39, with four new permits in each month.
November's numbers did see a slight decline from the outpacing with two permits for the month in 2024 and three for 2023.
Statistics Canada shows that the October 2024 building permits across Saskatchewan totalled $239 million. The main increase for the province was driven by an uptick in residential building permits, which were up 53.1 per cent during this same period.
Dollar values show a much bigger gulf compared to pure permitting numbers for Estevan, with the November 2024 numbers accruing a total dollar value of $9.968,257 compared to 2023's $3,062,794.
Statistics Canada's latest GDP numbers indicate that Saskatchewan's 2023 real GDP reached an all-time high of $77.9 billion, increasing by $1.8 billion, or 2.3 per cent. This places Saskatchewan tied for second in the nation for real GDP growth, and above the national average of 1.2 per cent.