OkotoksOnline/Emily Rogers
Communities in Alberta are continuing to grow rapidly, with an 18 per cent increase compared to last year.
The provincial government has been working to support builders by reducing barriers, encouraging new residential housing construction by cutting red tape, incentivizing construction, and supporting innovative strategies to get shovels in the ground faster, a Government of Alberta news release said.
By increasing the housing supply, the provincial government is aiming to drive down costs while addressing the housing shortage.
According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Alberta built over 25 per cent of all housing starts in the country this year.
“Our government is working tirelessly to make the dream of home ownership a reality for Albertans,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services. “We are clearing the way for more homes to be built faster to help Albertans find housing that meets their needs and budgets. After a record-breaking 2024, today’s housing starts numbers are just more proof that Alberta’s plan to build homes is working.”
Last fall, the Stop Housing Delays online portal was launched to help developers and local authorities identify inefficiencies preventing residential construction.
To address homebuilding hurdles, the provincial building code was updated, a construction code working group was established, and the provincial government was working to attract more investment.
“An 18 per cent increase in housing starts in the first quarter of 2025 shows that Alberta's builders and developers continue to respond to the growing demand for housing,” said Scott Fash, CEO of BILD Alberta Association.
“As an industry, we remain committed to working closely with the Government of Alberta to identify barriers and unlock housing opportunities that will enable us to deliver more homes for Albertans.”
Through Budget 2025, $1.2 billion will be invested in affordable housing over the next three years, for the construction of more than 6,300 units.
With partners, the provincial government is supporting $9 billion in investments into affordable housing for an additional 25,000 low-income households by 2031.