NEW HOUSE CONSTRUCTION UP IN APRIL

Saskatchewan urban housing starts continue to rise according to figures released today by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation for new construction in April 2012. Urban housing starts were up by 37.2 per cent in April 2012 over April 2011, the fourth highest percentage increase among the provinces.

"Saskatchewan is going through a period of unprecedented growth - record population numbers and record job numbers - leading to a greater demand for new housing," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "Over the last year that growth has been significant in residential construction, and we believe it will continue into the foreseeable future."

Single detached units were up by 31.4 per cent on an annual basis, while multiple units increased by 45.0 per cent. In the first four months of 2012, housing units were up by 34.8 per cent over the same period last year, the third highest increase among the provinces.

"One of the factors driving the demand for new housing aside from a growing population is the fact that consumers are very confident about Saskatchewan's economy," Harrison said. "People in our province are enjoying strong wages and have many career options available to them, giving them the confidence to make large personal investments like building a home in our province."

-30-

For more information, contact:

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