The value of building permits continued to rise in July, up 20.7 per cent from June, says a report from Statistics Canada.

Contractors took out building permits worth $8 billion in July, caused by an increase in construction intentions for commercial buildings in Ontario, Alberta and Quebec.

The total number of building permits in the non-residential sector rose 45.5 per cent to $3.9 billion in July. While Alberta, Ontario and Quebec accounted for most of the increase, four provinces, including New Brunswick, recorded decreases.

The value of permits in the residential sector increased 4.1 per cent to $4.1 billion in July, following a 12.8 per cent decline the previous month.

Canadian municipalities issued $2.6 billion worth of commercial building permits in July, up 89.2 per cent from June. This was a result of higher construction intentions for office buildings, retail complexes and recreational facilities.

Industrial building permits were also up in July, rising 11.6 per cent to $505 million. There has been higher construction intentions for utilities buildings in Alberta and Quebec, and manufacturing plants in British Columbia and Ontario.