New figures released by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation show urban housing starts in November of 2012 were up by 53.6 per cent over November of last year, ranking Saskatchewan first among the provinces in terms of percentage growth. On a national basis, housing starts were only up 3.7 per cent.
"On an annual basis, housing starts have really taken a big jump," Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. "The combination of a higher population and a robust economy are giving a huge boost to Saskatchewan's construction sector."
The majority of the increase occurred in multiple units which increased by 92.9 per cent on a year-over-year basis from 254 units to 490 units. Single family units were also up, rising 16.4 per cent over last year.
"The increase in the multiple units is good news for those in the market for affordable housing options," Boyd said. "This will make a difference in terms of some of the high demand we've seen for housing in our major centres."
