Canadian Housing Starts Sink

Housing starts in Canada sank by 15% from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted of 238,049 in January of 2026, firmly below market expectations of 263,300, to mark the lowest rate in five months. Urban housing starts in centers with populations over 10,000 people fell by 18.7% to 218,182. In turn, rural starts were estimated at the 20,487 mark.

Housing starts in Canada rose by 11% from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted of 282,439 in December of 2025, firmly above market expectations of 260,000, to mark the highest rate in five months. Urban housing starts in centers with populations over 10,000 people rose by 12% to 270,168. In turn, rural starts were estimated at the 12,271 mark.

Housing starts in Canada rose 9.4% month-on-month in November 2025, rebounding from a 17% decline in October to reach a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 254,058 units, slightly above the market expectation of 250,000. Urban housing starts in centres with populations over 10,000 increased 11% to 233,573 units, while rural starts were 20,485 units. Among major urban areas, Montreal saw a 24% year-on-year surge, partially offsetting declines in Toronto (-11%) and Vancouver (-1%).