Construction activity slows in Summerland and Sooke

Municipalities in British Columbia are experiencing a slowdown in construction activity and building permit issuances.

In Summerland, July saw 16 building permits issued with a total construction value of $548,000, a significant decrease compared to July 2025, which saw 22 permits valued at over $3.7 million. Year-to-date construction value for 2026 stands at approximately $21 million, down from $81.5 million during the same period in 2025. Development services manager Bobby Williamson noted that while values are lower, rezoning applications are increasing and subdivision totals match 2025 levels. The 2025 surge was largely driven by major projects like Dickson Manor and Turning Points Affordable Housing.

Similarly, the District of Sooke reported a decline in building-permit revenues due to a slowdown in multi-family housing. Through June 30, 2026, Sooke issued approximately 90 permits, a 26 per cent drop from the previous year. The number of approved new home units fell from 161 in the first half of 2025 to just 31 in the same period of 2026. This decline in multi-family construction has impacted municipal revenue, with permit fees reaching only $161,700 by late June, well below the district’s $650,000 annual target.