Growth in Canadian building permits slowed in January 2026, with the indicator rising 4.8% month-over-month, down from a stronger 6.1% gain recorded in December 2025. The latest data, updated on 12 March 2026, signal a moderation in momentum after a robust year-end surge.
On a month-over-month basis, the January figure reflects a smaller pace of increase compared with December, when permits jumped 6.1% versus November. The current 4.8% rise is still positive, but the deceleration may suggest that some of the intensity in construction planning seen at the end of 2025 is beginning to ease as the new year begins.
The comparison is based on monthly changes: the “actual” January 2026 reading measures growth relative to December 2025, while the “previous” December 2025 reading represents the change compared with November 2025. Investors and policymakers will be watching upcoming releases closely to see whether January’s softer gain marks the start of a broader cooling trend or simply a pause after an unusually strong December.
