Housing starts and construction data for August 2026

Housing starts in Canada declined 1.3% in August compared to July, with a six-month trend of 244,149 units. Monthly starts fell 2% year-over-year in urban centers, totaling 17,691 units in August. Construction activity remained flat overall, with completions down 11.2%. Increases in Quebec, Alberta, Montreal, and Vancouver partially offset declines elsewhere, while Toronto's trend was unchanged. The downward trend is expected to continue.