Canada’s housing construction sector showed continued momentum in April 2026 as Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) reported a 3.2% increase in the national six-month trend measure of housing starts, reaching 256,777 units. The trend measure represents the six-month moving average of the seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of total housing starts across Canada and is widely used to track long-term residential construction activity.

According to CMHC, the total monthly SAAR of housing starts for all areas in Canada increased 17% in April to 279,317 units, compared to 239,747 units in March. Rural housing starts were estimated at a monthly SAAR of 13,694 units.

While actual housing starts in centres with populations over 10,000 declined slightly by 1% year-over-year in April, total year-to-date housing starts reached 71,011 units, representing a 6% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The growth was largely supported by stronger residential construction activity in Ontario and British Columbia.

Among Canada’s three largest census metropolitan areas (CMAs), Toronto and Montréal recorded significant gains in housing starts during April 2026.

Toronto posted a 34% year-over-year increase in actual housing starts, driven primarily by higher levels of multi-unit residential construction activity. Montréal also experienced strong growth, with housing starts rising 21% year-over-year due to increased multi-unit developments.

These gains highlight continued demand for higher-density residential projects in Canada’s major urban centres as developers respond to housing supply pressures and population growth.

In contrast, Vancouver recorded a 30% decrease in housing starts compared to April 2025. The decline was attributed to lower activity in both multi-unit and single-detached housing construction.

Despite regional differences, CMHC’s latest housing starts data indicates ongoing strength in Canada’s residential construction market, particularly in larger urban centres where multi-unit housing continues to dominate new development activity.

The April 2026 CMHC housing starts report reflects continued efforts to increase housing supply across Canada amid affordability challenges and growing housing demand. Rising construction activity in Ontario and Québec, combined with stronger year-to-date performance nationally, signals ongoing investment in residential development and infrastructure across the Canadian housing market.

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