Calgary housing starts fell more than 20% in the first half of 2026, while completions rose 9% year-over-year, according to CMHC's September 10 report. Those completions reflect development decisions made two to three years ago. They are a poor guide to the next round of starts.
Build Canada Homes and Alberta's September 9 agreement is expected to support roughly $623 million in investment and more than 1,460 affordable homes province-wide, including off-site and factory-built construction. Individual projects remain subject to underwriting, funding availability, approvals and agreements. The announcement identifies no Calgary allocation.
On 26 Avenue S.W., Calgary's September update confirms utility upgrades are underway between 14 and 18 Streets. The broader corridor project is expected to continue into 2028. Separately, Executive Committee endorsed the Green Line's downtown surface alignment on September 8, allowing design, planning and procurement to begin. That milestone is not a downtown construction start. [3, 4]
In Chestermere, the provincially funded Dawson's Landing school is planned for 905 students and targets a fall 2028 opening. The Catholic K–9 school on West Lakeview Drive is under construction, targeting fall 2027. Both dates come from CFTR's September 8 reporting and remain expected openings.
The next local decision to check is Chestermere's proposed basement-entrance bylaw, expected back before council September 15. CFTR reports that council is reconsidering restrictions on separate exterior basement entrances; the proposed wording had not been released when it reported September 8. For anyone pricing a suite conversion, the amendment's actual wording and council's decision matter. No rule change is confirmed by that report.
Calgary Custom Concepts can help define renovation, custom-home and interior scopes before they reach the field.
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