Housing permit numbers in Winnipeg were up significantly in December 2010 over the same month in 2009. That marks 11 of the 12 months where last year was ahead of the previous year.
Given the 2009 economy, that is hardly surprising. However, it is the magnitude of the increase that catches one's attention. For the calendar year 2010, the Winnipeg metropolitan area experienced an increase of 27.6 per cent in single-family detached starts. Combined with multi-family units, there was an overall increase of 59.6 per cent.
The multi-family sector, which was almost invisible in 2009, exploded in 2010. In fact, there was talk of various projects that were originally scheduled for this coming year that started early due to demand.
If the first three weeks of 2011 are any indication, it looks like this year could also be a banner year for new housing throughout the province. It remains to be seen if the multi-family sector can keep that torrid pace, but the single-family detached appears well on its way. This is good news for economic activity, training and jobs.
All projections point to another strong year for the residential construction industry, whether the numbers are superior to this past year or not.
In fact, all Western Canada experienced a very positive 2010 as it pertained to housing starts. Saskatchewan grew commensurate with Manitoba and British Columbia and Alberta also enjoyed significant growth.
However, it must be remembered that B.C. and Alberta fell a lot harder than Manitoba in 2009, so their comeback, although positive, still leaves them well behind the pace they set in previous years.
In addition to new home construction, the renovation market continues to be robust throughout Manitoba. We're still known as the renovation capital of Canada and more Manitobans renovate each year than those in any other province.
Although there have been calls for a slowdown in renovation activity on a national level, there is no sign of it happening here. If the lineup at the Ask a Renovator booth at the recent Kitchen Bath and Renovation Show was any indication, there is going to be lots of work to do in 2011.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
