SASKATCHEWAN LEADS THE NATION AGAIN ON THE HOUSING FRONT

New housing starts in Saskatchewan cities are up considerably according to a report released today by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

Saskatchewan's urban housing starts were up 63 per cent in May 2010 when compared with last May, the third highest percentage increase among the provinces.

In the first five months of 2010, urban housing starts in the province were up by 140 per cent when compared with the same period last year. Saskatchewan ranked first among the provinces during this time period.

"The improvement in residential construction is positive news for our economy so far in 2010," Enterprise Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "With job numbers up and an economy that has picked up steam, we are encouraged to see we lead the nation again on the housing front."

Saskatoon (CMA) new housing starts improved by 251 per cent in the first five months of 2010 over the same period in 2009, while Regina (CMA) starts jumped 95 per cent.

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For more information, contact:

Deb Young
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-798-0503
Email: Deb.Young@enterprisesask.ca