Construction Trends in Saskatchewan

Part of BigSteelBox’s primary client base includes construction companies and builders, who utilize BigSteelBox storage units on their sites for secure, efficient storage solutions. Given that, I make an effort to keep tabs on construction trends within Saskatchewan to anticipate what our clients’ needs will be.

While moving rates in Saskatchewan have seen a subtle incline over the past few months, the pace of housing starts in Saskatchewan has continued to slow, with construction efforts being focused towards renovations and industrial construction.

According to BuildForce Canada, modest declines are expected in Saskatchewan’s construction industry because of this slowing of new housing starts throughout the rest of 2018 and 2019, as well as the completion of major mining projects within the province. However, industrial building construction and residential renovations are providing stable demand for Saskatchewan’s construction industry, with 2018 seeing a 15 per cent increase from 2017 levels (or 1,200 additional jobs). Non-residential engineering construction continues to remain a dominant source of employment within Saskatchewan, with 3 in 10 construction workers earning a living in this sector. Sure enough, we at BigSteelBox have seen an increase in the need for 40’ BigSteelBoxes for some of the larger commercial renovation projects in Saskatoon. 

Looking forward, housing starts through 2020 are expected to remain at half the record levels reached in 2012, and are not expected to see an upturn until 2021, with an eventual 26% increase by 2025. Throughout this, renovation demands will continue to rise, restoring overall residential employment to previous high levels by 2025.