Alberta hits housing start record

EDMONTON – New Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CHMC) data indicates Alberta housing starts have hit a new record.

Total housing starts have reached 13,560 to date from January to April 2024, setting a new record for the most new homes under construction during this period of time in Alberta’s history, a release said.

The growth represents an increase of more than 60 per cent in April 2024 from April 2023, while the rest of Canada is seeing a decrease of almost 10 per cent over the same period, the release said.

There were 1,831 housing starts in Calgary in April 2024, a growth of 57 per cent over April 2023. Edmonton had 1,636 new housing starts in April 2024, an increase of 64 per cent over April 2023. 

“Alberta’s significant increase in housing starts reflects industry’s commitment in meeting the evolving needs of our growing population. By streamlining processes and removing barriers, builders are better equipped to meet demand promptly, ultimately providing more housing options for all Albertans. Progress to date underscores the collaborative efforts between government and industry to address our province’s housing shortage effectively,” BILD Alberta CEO Scott Fash said in the release.