FX.co ★ Canadian Housing Starts Rise Below Forecasts in February

Housing starts in Canada rose 4.5% in February 2026 to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 238,049 units, compared with 250,900 in January, coming in below market expectations of 252,500 units. Rural starts were estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 20,400 units. Actual housing starts increased 10% year-over-year in centres with populations of 10,000 or more. By region, Vancouver posted a 60% jump in actual starts, driven by gains in both multi-unit and single-detached construction, while Toronto recorded a 28% decline, reflecting weaker activity in both multi-unit and single-detached starts.