HOUSING STARTS INCREASE IN MAJOR CITIES

Statistics on urban housing starts for March 2010 were released today and provide another sign that the province's economic recovery is in full swing.

There were 174 urban housing starts last month, up from 95 in March last year (seasonally unadjusted), an increase of 83 per cent. Saskatchewan had the third highest percentage change among Canadian provinces.

Urban housing starts were up by 176 per cent in the first three months of 2010 to 710 units, compared with 257 units in the first three months of 2009. Saskatchewan had the highest percentage increase in the nation in this time period.

"Consumer confidence levels about the provincial economy are at the heart of the rise in construction of both single family and multiple units," Enterprise Saskatchewan Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "This is good news and signals construction sites are likely going to be very busy as we head into summer."

Single family home construction in March 2010 totalled 148 units, up 76 per cent from 84 units in March 2009. Multiple units were up 136 per cent from 11 to 26 units during the same time period, March over March.

Housing starts in Saskatoon grew from 32 units in March last year to 77 units in March this year, while Regina starts increased from 47 to 75 units in the same period.

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For more information, contact:

Deb Young
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6315
Email: Deb.Young@enterprisesask.ca