Winnipeg is off to a strong start when it comes to new housing construction.
Housing starts outpace national trend
In the first three months of 2026, there were 1,216 housing starts in Winnipeg, up 24.3 per cent from 978 during the same period last year.
That compares to a national increase of 8.6 per cent in the first quarter, meaning Winnipeg is well ahead of the broader Canadian housing trend.
Mayor Scott Gillingham says the city’s push to speed up approvals is driving the increase.
“We’ve made it a priority to cut red tape and speed up approvals, and these numbers show our plan is working,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “We are making it easier for builders to get shovels in the ground, and that means more homes for Winnipeg families, more quickly.”
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Townhomes drive “missing middle” growth
Much of the increase is being driven by “missing middle” housing, including townhomes. Winnipeg recorded 215 starts in the first quarter, an increase of 271 per cent and the second-highest quarterly total for this type of housing in Winnipeg’s history.
Apartment construction also remained strong, with 709 starts, up 16 per cent compared to last year.
Councillor points to continued momentum
Councillor Evan Duncan says the numbers show real progress on housing supply.
“These numbers are encouraging because they show more homes are actually getting built,” said Councillor Evan Duncan, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Property and Development. “That’s good news for Winnipeg, and it’s exactly the kind of momentum we want to keep building on.”
The latest figures build on a strong 2025, when Winnipeg recorded 4,993 housing starts, the second-highest annual total in the city’s history.