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By Tanner Smith

"punching above our weight"

Another record breaking year for Alberta housing starts

Jan 22, 2026 | 1:33 PM

The province is seeing an all-time housing record for a second consecutive year, with over 53,000 homes breaking ground in the last 12 months.

According to the Alberta government, this is the first time the province has ever eclipsed the 50,000 mark, and Assisted Living and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon said Alberta is once again “punching above our weight.”

“Our province is shattering housing records and building at unprecedented rates, keeping pace as more people than ever before call our great province home.”

Stats shared by the Alberta government show the province surpassed the previous housing starts record set in 2024 by 14 per cent, with 53,184 new homes; Grande Prairie saw the largest increase in housing starts, now up 89 per cent, going from 194 in 2024 to 366 in 2025.

The Alberta government credited initiatives like the Stop Housing Delays portal, with Scott Flash, Bild Alberta Chief Executive Officer, adding that this is proof the government’s red tape slashing initiatives are working.

“Alberta’s record housing starts show what’s possible when barriers are reduced, and regulatory systems evolve to support growth. These conditions have especially helped unlock record rental construction, easing pressure on renters and strengthening long-term affordability.”

They add that these initiatives are putting Alberta ahead of other prairie provinces, as in 2025, Alberta made up 80 per cent of all prairie housing starts.

With this increase in new builds, the province says renters are also seeing relief, as Alberta’s average asking rent is about $400 less than the national average, with six towns sitting inside the top ten most affordable small and mid-sized rental markets, including the entire top four.

Among the top ten most affordable small and mid-sized rental markets in Canada, Grande Prairie sits at fourth, behind Medicine Hat.

Anyone interested in watching the provinces annoucement can visit the province’s YouTube page.