NEW HOUSING STARTS LAST YEAR SECOND-BEST INCREASE IN CANADA

Figures for new housing starts were released today by CMHC and show Saskatchewan had the second-highest percentage increase in 2010 when compared with 2009.

According to the report, Saskatchewan's new housing starts were up by 55 per cent in 2010, second only to British Columbia. This is double the national average of 27 per cent. On an annual basis, housing starts in Regina were up by 45 per cent, while Saskatoon had a jump of 67 per cent.

"Home builders have been very busy across the province and today's report verifies the increased activity in the construction industry," Enterprise Saskatchewan Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "In 2010, the optimism in the economy improved and consumers were confident in making new home purchases."

Single-detached dwellings were up by 36 per cent in 2010 over 2009, while multiple units increased by 100 per cent over the same period.

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For more information, contact:

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