Bleak Outlook for New Home Construction in Ontario and BC as Builder Confidence Remains Low: CHBA

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) reports a bleak outlook for new home construction in Ontario and British Columbia, with the Housing Market Index (HMI) indicating low confidence among builders. In 2025 Q1, Ontario saw a significant decline in housing starts by 38% year-over-year due to affordability challenges and tariffs impacting construction costs. Builders are particularly concerned about the rising cost of materials and high development charges in urban centers, and they urge the government to implement policies to improve housing affordability. The CHBA calls for alternative funding models for infrastructure and more accessible mortgages to support housing supply improvement.