Housing construction in Winnipeg jumped in 2025, with nearly 5,000 new homes started.
Data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) shows that Winnipeg saw a 12.3 percent increase in housing starts, the second-highest annual total in the city’s history.
It also outpaced the national trend, with Winnipeg’s construction rate more than doubling the Canadian average of 5.6 per cent.
“This is what progress looks like,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “We’ve been focused on turning policy into shovels in the ground, and the results are now showing up. More homes are getting built, faster, in every part of the city.”
Gillingham believes the surge in construction is due to three years of aggressive policy and planning changes, including modernizing zoning, accelerating approvals and unlocking housing supply.
In 2025, the city also streamlined planning rules and reduced barriers for developers and non-profits.
“The Mayor and Council have been pushing hard for change, and we know there is much more to do, but it is good to see hard data from CMHC about new housing coming to Winnipeg,” said Councillor Evan Duncan, Chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Property and Development.
Some other reasons for the increase in housing activity include Winnipeg’s Housing Accelerator program, city-wide zoning and infill changes, process improvements, redevelopment incentives and focus on rentals.
Gillingham says housing will remain a top priority for him in 2026, with more major projects expected to move from approval to construction, including Portage Place, Fulton Grove and the Water Tower District.
“Winnipeg is growing, and this is about making sure our housing supply keeps pace,” said Gillingham. “We’re delivering more choice, more affordability, and more homes where people want to live.”
