Edmonton Housing Starts Surge 131 Percent Over Five Years Housing starts in Edmonton have risen 131 percent over five years, far outpacing the national 19 percent increase, according to a BILD Edmonton Metro report. Housing starts in Edmonton have increased by 131 percent over the past five years, significantly outpacing the national growth rate of 19 percent, according to a state of the region report released by BILD Edmonton Metro. The report highlights a construction boom driven by Alberta's growing population, with activity not limited to the city itself but spreading across the wider capital region. The data, covering the last five years, shows that developers in Edmonton and surrounding communities have been working to keep pace with demand. The 131 percent rise in housing starts contrasts sharply with the 19 percent increase recorded nationally over the same period, underscoring the region's rapid expansion.Edmonton Leads But Other Communities Grow FastKale Anderson, CEO of BILD Edmonton, noted that while Edmonton remains a major driver of growth, other municipalities are also expanding quickly. He pointed to Beaumont, Leduc and Spruce Grove as communities experiencing significant construction activity.Anderson added that the type of housing being built is diversifying. Single-family construction remains strong, but row homes and apartments now represent a much larger share of the overall housing mix. This shift reflects changing preferences and the need for varied housing options as the population grows.The report also compares the 13 municipalities in the Edmonton region across 18 development metrics. These include property taxes, population growth and median home prices, providing a detailed picture of how different communities are performing.Regional Strengths Vary Across MunicipalitiesPaul Lanning, board chair of BILD Edmonton, said the results show no single municipality leads in every category. Beaumont has recorded the region's largest average annual growth rate over the last five years, while Devon has the lowest median home prices.Lanning stressed that the purpose of the comparison is not to rank communities but to understand their individual strengths and challenges. He said the findings can help identify opportunities for learning and collaboration across the region.BILD Edmonton Metro represents more than 500 companies in the development industry. The organization advocates for the building, land development and residential construction sectors across the capital region.The surge in housing starts comes as Alberta's population continues to grow, putting pressure on municipalities to accommodate new residents. The report provides a snapshot of how the region is responding to that demand and where future challenges may lie.With files from CTV News Edmonton's Jeremy Thompson.