Activity slumped in 2025, despite easing rate environment
At least 430,000 units annually are needed over the next decade to restore 2019 affordability levels
CMHC reports year-to-date total of 219,077 units
Year-to-date total still up compared with last year: CMHC
Stronger activity in Montreal and Toronto contributes to 14% rise from August
Urban housing starts decline from July while rural pace holds steady
Ontario, Nova Scotia, Montreal face biggest housing shortfalls
As population growth remains robust, the size of households is rising too
Seasonally adjusted annual rate of housing starts was 223,808 units in September, up from 213,012 in August
Other economic factors, government policies offset the effect of higher rates