Photo 135525130 © Thomas Bullock | Dreamstime.com

By rdnewsNOW staff

Provincial Politics

Alberta sets new housing starts record in May

Jun 18, 2024 | 3:18 PM

Alberta’s plan to build more homes has resulted in the highest number of new homes under construction in the province’s history in May – including an increase of more than 110 per cent in Edmonton.

That according to government officials who say the province is building the homes Albertans need. The government says new data from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) shows May was an especially strong month, with a historic 4,113 housing starts reported – making it the busiest month on record.

Officials say total housing starts in Alberta have reached 17,673 to date from January to May 2024 – representing an increase of more than 50 per cent over last year. This growth is said to represent the most new homes under construction in these five months and demonstrates that Alberta is on pace to set a new record in homes under construction in 2024.

Officials note, with Alberta’s growing population, more housing options are needed and that’s why Alberta’s government is said to be working hard to remove barriers and empower its housing partners to get shovels in the ground faster. The government says a recent report by ATB Financial shows that over 40 per cent more residential building permits have been issued year-to-date in 2024 compared to 2023 – outlining that the province is on track to maintain this historic increase in new homes.

“This unprecedented growth shows the province is leading the country in having the fastest permit approval times and the fewest roadblocks to building homes,” says Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services. “We will continue to support our housing partners and make sure we go from permits issued to shovels in the ground, and finally to new homes ready for Albertans.”

Last seen Nov. 28

Missing: Jimmy Eagle, 27, of Maskwacis

5h ago

the situation is dire

Two deaths, possibly from cold exposure, raise alarm amid Red Deer shelter situation and plight of homeless community

Dec 12, 2025

Lace-'Em Up!

Red Deer's outdoor rinks returning for another season

Dec 12, 2025

As part of this growth, the government says Alberta’s two largest cities are seeing substantial numbers of new homes under construction. Officials say Edmonton has seen 1,830 new housing starts in May 2024, an increase of more than 110 per cent over May 2023. In Calgary, meantime, there have been almost 2,000 housing starts in May 2024, consistent with May 2023.

“Alberta’s significant increase in housing starts underscores industry’s commitment and successful collaboration with the Government of Alberta, driving a notable surge in residential construction,” adds Saheb Dullet, director of policy and government relations, BILD Alberta Association. “Streamlined processes and reduced barriers enable builders to meet demand more efficiently, ensuring expanded housing options for all Albertans.”

Alberta’s government says it continues to support builders and encourage new residential housing construction by reducing red tape, incentivizing housing construction and supporting innovative strategies to build more homes faster.

Alberta government quick facts

• Increase in Alberta rental starts:
  • 25,447 in the three years between 2021 – 2023
  • 25,285 in the 15 years between 2006 – 2020
• ATB Financial’s recent OWL report also shows that 44 per cent more residential building permits have been issued January to April – including:
• A 36 per cent increase in permits issued for single-detached homes.
• A 53 per cent increase in permits issued for multi-residential dwellings.
• $179 million to 1,187 units of affordable housing. Construction on these projects is not yet underway.
• $67.5 million to 435 units of affordable housing that are currently under construction.
• $39.2 million to 166 units of affordable housing that have been completed since December 2023.
• Together with its partners, Alberta is supporting $9 billion in investments into affordable housing to support 25,000 additional low-income households by 2031.
• In addition, as of March 31, Alberta’s government has committed.

—

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter, and download the rdnewsNOW mobile app on Google Play and the Apple App Store for all the latest updates on this and other stories.