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By Ian Gustafson

provincial increase

Housing starts up 87 per cent in Red Deer

Jan 18, 2025 | 12:17 PM

Housing starts in Red Deer were up 87 per cent in 2024.

After 189 housing start in 2023, there were 354 in 2024, according to data from the Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation for centres 10,000 population and over.

Furthermore, in 2023 there were 79 single-detached homes started in Red Deer and in 2024 there were 96, which was a 22 per cent increase. Data on all other homes built in Red Deer includes a 135 per cent increase from 110 homes in 2023 to 258 last year.

Erin Stuart, inspections and licensing manager for the City of Red Deer, said a significant contributing factor to the overall increase in the community was because of a couple of large apartment builds.

One was a 62-unit that is on the process of being constructed and another building with 166 units.

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“That made up quite a significant amount of that increase and in addition we saw some large increases in secondary suite units as well,” she said.

Stuart added that since we saw an increase last year it’s likely Red Deerians could see similar trends in 2025.

“I think the conversation about affordability and housing choice, you can see that in the numbers. While detached dwelling units did have an increase, you really saw the significant increases in secondary suites, as well as the apartment style,” she said.

“I think that just demonstrates that developers are looking to contribute more housing supply to meet the demands, affordability, and offer housing choices so there’s varying forms for people to choose from.”

To compare, Calgary had an overall 24 per cent increase from 19,579 in 2023 to 24,369 in 2024 and Edmonton went from 13,184 to 18,384 in 2024, a 39 per cent increase.

Provincially, Alberta had an increase of 32 per cent from 35,223 to 46,632, which led all provinces per capita. The first half of 2024 saw 9,903 apartment unit starts – the highest in any half-year in Alberta’s history, breaking the record set in 1977.

“Alberta had a remarkable year for housing, which goes to show that our plan to build more homes faster is working. I am looking forward to building on the successes of this past year as we look forward to 2025,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services in a media release.

Canada as a whole had building starts go up by two per cent from 223,513 to 227,697.

Over the past year, Alberta’s government has taken action to make housing more attainable for all Albertans, including:

• Launching the Stop Housing Delays online portal to help speed up the home building process.
• Making provincial land available for housing through the Real Property Governance Initiative.
• Exempting designated affordable housing from property taxes.
• Supporting home ownership through alternative financing options.
• Reviewing housing programs to make sure they are meeting the needs of Albertans.
• Working with partners in polytechnic institutions and industry to use innovative technologies in the housing sector.
• Encouraging recruitment and hiring of more skilled trades workers to meet the demand of the industry.
• Ensuring that Alberta is receiving its fair share of federal funding for housing, and that funding is meeting Alberta’s provincial priorities.

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