Alberta is getting shovels in the ground faster and building the homes Albertans need. Monthly data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) reinforces that Alberta continues to show strong success in increasing its housing supply, which will help stabilize costs and improve the housing outlook for Albertans across the province.

Alberta’s government recognizes the need for more housing options as the population continues to grow. That’s why the province has been working to reduce barriers and empower its housing partners to get more shovels in the ground.

As part of this work, government recently launched a new online portal to help in these efforts. The Stop Housing Delays online portal is now available for developers and municipal authorities to help identify areas that are preventing fast and efficient residential construction. This portal will help government identify and address barriers to building homes across the province so that Alberta can continue building homes as quickly as possible.

“Alberta is seeing remarkable numbers of new housing starts as our province continues to grow. These homes are an investment in Alberta’s future, and we will continue to work with our partners to make sure we continue to increase Alberta’s supply and strengthen our communities for years to come.”

Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services

Alberta’s government continues to support builders and encourage new residential housing construction by reducing red tape, incentivizing housing construction and supporting innovative strategies to build homes faster than ever.

"The 34 per cent increase in housing starts highlights the strength of Alberta’s housing market and the positive impact of ongoing efforts to reduce construction barriers. With continued collaboration between industry and government, we’re building the homes Albertans need to thrive. BILD Alberta remains committed to supporting this growth and ensuring a strong, sustainable housing future for the province."

Scott Fash, CEO, BILD Alberta Association

Quick facts

  • Housing starts for January – October 2024 compared with January – October 2023
    • provincewide: 37,971 compared with 28,313 (up 34 per cent)
    • Edmonton: 14,796 compared with 10,078 (up 47 per cent)
    • Calgary: 20,104 compared with 16,278 (up 24 per cent)
    • Lethbridge: 624 compared with 202 (up 209 per cent)
    • Red Deer: 327 compared with 169 (up 93 per cent)
  • The first half of 2024 saw 9,903 apartment unit starts – the highest in any half-year in Alberta’s history. This broke the record set previously in 1977.
  • In addition, as of September 2024, Alberta’s government has committed:
    • $182.4 million to 1,235 units of affordable housing. Construction on these projects is not yet underway.
    • $66.8 million to 451 units of affordable housing that are currently under construction.
    • $52.1 million to 250 units of affordable housing that have been completed since December 2023.
  • Since 2019, Alberta’s government has invested almost $850 million to build more than 5,100 affordable housing units and close to 900 shelter spaces. This includes projects we have committed to, that are in progress and that are complete.  
  • Together with its partners, Alberta’s government is supporting $9 billion in investments into affordable housing to support 25,000 additional low-income households by 2031.

Related information

See the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s October Housing Starts Report.