NOVEMBER HOUSING STARTS UP IN CITIES

Saskatchewan's urban housing starts are on the upturn according to a Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) report released yesterday.

In November 2009, urban housing starts were up in the province by 28 per cent over November 2008, the second highest percentage increase in the nation. On a national basis, urban housing starts remained unchanged over this period.

"The rise in urban housing starts for November is a sign that consumer confidence is on the rise," Enterprise Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "We are encouraged by the improvements in November and are hopeful starts will continue to pick up in the coming months."

Single family dwelling construction in the province was up by nine per cent in November 2009 compared with November last year, while multiple units jumped 52 per cent.

Saskatoon's single-detached housing starts in November totalled 177, the highest level in that month since 1979. There were 184 multiple unit starts in November, and the best November for multiple unit starts since 1982.

Single-detached starts in Regina totalled 48 in November, down from 103 last year. However, multiple unit starts in November 2009 totalled 77, almost double the 39 starts recorded last November, and the highest level of multiple starts for that month since 1987.

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For more information, contact:

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