‘Bad news’ GDP puts Bank of Canada’s growth estimates in the crosshairs, economists say
‘The monthly data for November is grimmer than it first appears’ By Gigi Suhanic Published Jan 30, 2026 The Canadian economy could struggle to meet the Bank of Canada‘s latest predictions for growth after gross domestic product (GDP) for November undershot estimates, say economists. Economic growth was flat in November, slightly undershooting estimates for GDP to rise 0.1 per cent, but better than the 0.3 per cent contraction in October. Statistics Canada estimates the economy...
read moreFaced with surging demand, Alberta broke housing construction records. Is there a lesson there?
Edmonton, Calgary ranked in top five of national homebuilders’ list Paula Duhatschek · CBC News Posted: Jan 29, 2026 Alberta broke housing construction records in 2025 and led the country in housing starts per capita — a massive upswing in homebuilding that comes after a period of similarly massive population growth. Some experts say there are lessons other Canadian cities could learn about how to ramp up housing supply to meet demand. First, the numbers. In 2025, there were about 54,900...
read moreMaking sense of the Bank of Canada interest rate decision on January 28, 2026
Penelope Graham January 30, 2026 The Bank of Canada holds its benchmark rate at 2.25%, impacting variable mortgages, fixed rates, and savings as economic risks persist in 2026. The first central bank announcement of the year is upon us—and the Bank of Canada kicked it off with a rate hold, keeping the benchmark cost of borrowing in Canada at 2.25%, where it has remained since last October. This rate is used by lenders when setting their prime rates and, by extension, floating-rate borrowing...
read moreWEEK OF February 2, EVENTS WITH JILLIAN KATZENBACK
Events for the week of February 2, 2026 2026 RHC Conference – PM Springfest – NAIOP Breakfast Event – Buildex Vancouvery – BILD Committee cocktail reception – 2026 CMHC Rental Market Survey Breakfast – ARLA General Meeting Luncheon – LPMA Dinner Meeting – LandPRO Conference – 2026 BILD Awards Entries Now Open – 2026 RHPNS Awards Gala, Dinner and...
read moreOttawa wants to get banks, pension funds involved in affordable housing: minister
Nine months into his mandate, Robertson said he is focusing his efforts on the lowest rungs of the housing ladder, where people are most vulnerable. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 1, 2026. Craig Lord, The Canadian Press OTTAWA — The federal housing minister says he wants to ramp up the lagging pace of homebuilding in some provinces by bringing developers off the sidelines and into Ottawa’s affordable housing projects. Gregor Robertson also said in an interview that...
read moreAfter Years Of Remote Work, Toronto’s Office Market Is Heating Up
The RTO trend is reversing years of near-stagnant activity in the downtown commercial real estate scene, but the road back to the office hasn’t been seamless. Teagan Sliz January 23, 2026 In early January, the Ford government’s return-to-office (RTO) mandate took effect, ordering 60,000 public servants back to the office. The move culminates more than a year of RTO mandates from big names in tech and finance, reaching a fever pitch in late 2025, and has put a significant amount of pressure on...
read moreCanada’s rental market finally cools
New data showed a softer, more balanced landscape for landlords and lenders By Liezel Once 22 Jan. 2026 Canada’s apartment sector moved further from the red‑hot conditions of recent years in late 2025, as fresh supply, slower population growth and affordability strains pushed vacancy higher and took the edge off rent gains. Yardi’s latest Canadian National Multifamily Report showed the national apartment vacancy rate climbed to 4.5% in Q4 2025, the highest level since the firm began tracking...
read moreHuge disparities in housing approvals and development fees found across Canadian cities by Senate report
It can take 11 years from the time a first proposal is made until a housing project is completed in Toronto, the Senate committee on banking, commerce and the economy found in its study. Salmaan Farooqui Published January 21, 2026 A Senate report highlighting large discrepancies in building timelines and development charges among Canadian municipalities is calling for federal funding to be contingent on cities proving that they can fast track housing projects and lower builder fees. The report...
read moreCanadian Building Investment Soars On Taxpayer-Funded Rental Bubble
Canadian Building Investment Soars On Taxpayer-Funded Rental Bubble Stephen Punwasi January 23, 2026 Canadian real estate investment is suddenly booming again—but it’s not what it looks like. Statistics Canada (StatCan) data shows investment in building construction hit a record high in November, driven almost entirely by residential projects. Look closer, and the surge narrows fast—growth is concentrated in Ontario multi-family construction. These aren’t condos, but they’re largely corporate...
read moreWEEK OF JANUARY 26, EVENTS WITH JILLIAN KATZENBACK
Events for the week of January 26, 2026 2026 RHC Conference – Buildex Vancouver – PM Springfest – yBILD Committee cocktail reception – 2026 CMHC Rental Market Survey Breakfast – HDAA By-Law Survey – LPMA Dinner Meeting – LandPRO Conference – 2026 BILD Awards Entries Now Open – 2026 RHPNS Awards Gala, Dinner and...
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