Anemic Housing Starts Up From 16 to 20

The somnolent construction market in Abbotsford and Mission got a much needed, if miniscule, boost in January moving from 16 buildings to 20.

According to the monthly Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) report for January 2013 13 new single detached homes were built in January compared to 12 in January last year. All other housing units increased from four to seven.

Compared to other markets housing starts in Abbotsford are at a virtual standstill. Kelowna, with a lower population than Abbotsford (112,775) increased its housing starts 12 percent from 49 to 55.

Barrie, Ontario, with a population of 182,041, increased its housing starts in January 40 percent from 57 to 80 compared to last year.

Abbotsford/Mission pop 133,000 + 37,000 = 170,000
Single Detached Homes + 8%
Jan 2012 – 12
Jan 2013 – 13

All other +75%
Jan 2012 – 4
Jan 2013 – 7

Total + 25%
Jan 2012 – 16
Jan 2013 – 20

Kelowna pop 112,775
Single Detached Homes – 3%
Jan 2012 – 34
Jan 2013 – 33

All other +47%
Jan 2012 – 15
Jan 2013 – 22

Total + 12%
Jan 2012 – 49
Jan 2013 – 55

Barrie, Ont – pop 182,041
Single Detached Homes – 134%
Jan 2012 – 29
Jan 2013 – 68

All other -57%
Jan 2012 – 28
Jan 2013 – 12

Total + 40%
Jan 2012 – 57
Jan 2013 – 80

To download the Canada Mortgage and Housing (CMHC) Housing Starts January 2013 reportclick here