The province continues to show strong success in building the homes Albertans need. Monthly data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) reinforces that Alberta is helping meet the supply challenge with these new builds, which will benefit Albertans and help stabilize costs in the long run.

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

“Every month we see that our actions are working to increase our housing supply and build the homes Albertans need. We know these homes are needed and we will continue to support our partners to make sure we go from permits issued to shovels in the ground and have more homes ready for Albertans as quickly as possible.”  

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.

“Alberta's impressive rise in housing starts underscores the essential collaboration between all levels of government and the building industry. The Government of Alberta has been an exceptional partner in this effort, working alongside us to break down barriers and enhance industry capacity to meet the diverse housing demand."

Scott Fash, CEO, BILD Alberta Association

Quick facts

  • Housing starts for January – September 2024 compared with January – September 2023
    • Provincewide: 33,577 compared with 24,904 (up 35 per cent)
    • Edmonton: 13,359 compared with 9,099 (up 47 per cent)
    • Calgary: 17,414 compared with 14,141 (up 23 per cent)
    • Lethbridge: 599 compared with 148 (up 305 per cent)
    • Red Deer: 314 compared with 146 (up 115 per cent)
  • Data shows Alberta had 10,699 purpose-built rentals, making up 32 per cent of all housing starts.
  • 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 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 September Housing Starts Report.