Saskatchewan continues to lead Canadian provinces in year-over-year housing starts, a development noted in the latest data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
Housing Starts Performance
According to the Saskatchewan Government News, new data released by the CMHC indicates that housing starts in Saskatchewan experienced a 35.8% increase in August 2026 compared to August 2025. This rate of growth positions Saskatchewan first among all Canadian provinces. The report specifies 1,223 housing starts in Saskatchewan for August 2026, an increase from 901 starts recorded in August 2025.
Year-to-Date Figures
Looking at year-to-date figures, Saskatchewan recorded 7,370 housing starts from January to August 2026. This represents a 28.5% increase over the 5,735 starts during the same period in 2025. This sustained growth in housing construction contributes to the availability of housing units within the province.
Context of Population Growth
This increase in housing construction occurs amidst Saskatchewan's recent population growth. The province has experienced an increase in its population, reaching 1,225,493 residents as of July 1, 2026. This represents an increase of 30,551 people over the previous year, marking the largest annual population increase for Saskatchewan since 1914. Housing development plays a role in accommodating an expanding population, including new residents and immigrants.
Economic and Labour Market Implications
Increased housing construction activity can have broader economic implications, including creating employment opportunities in the construction sector and related industries. While the direct link to specific Permanent Resident (PR) pathways is not detailed in the source, a growing housing supply can be a factor in provincial planning for population intake, which includes immigration targets.
Source: Saskatchewan Government News