(Table 327-0044, 2002=100, quarterly, 1988 to present)
Introduction
These indexes measure changes in contractors' selling prices of apartment building construction. The indexes relate to both general and trade contractors' work and exclude the cost of land, land assembly, design, development and real estate fees.
Characteristics
General
In conjunction with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, a typical or model apartment building that had been constructed was selected and 1981 pricing was obtained. Sample items of work-in-place to be subsequently priced were taken from this model. All prices are collected directly by Statistics Canada surveyors and include costs of materials, labour, equipment, relevant federal (until 1991) and provincial taxes and contractors' overhead and profit. Value Added Taxes such as the Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST), the Quebec Sales Tax (QST) and the Harmonised Sales Tax (HST) are not included.
Frequency of pricing
Commencing in the first quarter of 1988, prices are collected quarterly for six census metropolitan areas (CMAs) and the Ontario part of the Ottawa-Gatineau CMA. In the period from 1981 to 1987 prices were collected in the first quarter of each year in Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver. In 1986 and 1987 price movement was interpolated to establish annual figures.
Prices used
The prices for work-in-place are obtained through phone surveys with sub-contractors and general contractors, who construct apartment buildings, on the basis that they are bidding on a fixed specification and quantity under current market conditions. Prices include contractors' overheads and profit. Prices for certain materials, labour rates, rental of equipment, municipal charges and sales taxes are obtained from a variety of secondary sources; particularly for the mechanical and electrical trades.
Weight base
Weights are derived from a detailed cost analysis of a model apartment building and expressed in 2005 price levels.
Index formula
A fixed weighted formula is used at the CMA level. A Chain- Laspeyres index formula is used for the seven CMA composite levels, for which the weights are derived from building permit data for the previous three years, valued at the price levels of the fourth quarter of the last year.
Revisions
The figures of the most recently published indexes are subject to revision but all other figures are final.
Historical data
There are limited annual data for four CMAs (Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver) relating to the first quarter of each year from 1981 to 1987 inclusive.
1988 to 1997 on a 1986 base for seven CMAs (Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver). Table 327‑0033.
1988 to 2001 on a 1997 base for seven CMAs (Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver). Table 327‑0002.
1988 to third quarter 2008 on a 1997 base for seven CMAs (Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver), Table 327‑0040.
1988 to current quarter on a 2002 base for seven CMAs (Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver), Table 327‑0044.
Reference documents and further reading
Catalogue no. 61-205-X
Private and public investment in Canada, intentions, annual
For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods or data quality of this release, contact us (toll-free 1‑800‑263‑1136; infostats@statcan.gc.ca) or Media Relations (613-951-4636; statcan.mediahotline-ligneinfomedias.statcan@statcan.gc.ca).