Alberta's Housing Excellence Earns National Spotlight
Alberta's remarkable housing construction surge is translating into prestigious national recognition, with the province dominating the finalist list for the Canadian Home Builders' Association National Awards for Housing Excellence. This comes as Alberta achieved unprecedented housing start numbers, surpassing 50,000 units for the first time in its history during 2025.
Unprecedented Provincial Dominance
In an extraordinary display of provincial excellence, all five finalists in four separate award categories originate exclusively from Calgary or Edmonton. These categories include Best Attached Low-Rise Home (1,500 to 1,800 square feet), Best Detached Production Home under 1,800 square feet, Best Detached Production Home (2,401 to 2,800 square feet), and the prestigious Best Growing Community Award.
Alberta's representation extends beyond these categories, with provincial businesses securing four of the five finalist positions in six additional award segments. Even beyond the major urban centers, Lethbridge's Stranville Living Master Builder has captured three finalist spots, demonstrating the breadth of housing excellence across the province.
Record-Breaking Construction Numbers
The award recognition coincides with Alberta's second consecutive year leading Canada in per capita housing starts, reaching 53,184 units in 2025. Despite representing less than 12 percent of Canada's population, Alberta accounted for nearly a quarter of all housing starts nationwide according to provincial government data.
Both major metropolitan areas shattered previous records. The Edmonton region exceeded its 2015 all-time high with 21,337 housing starts as demand surged in the Capital Region. Meanwhile, Calgary achieved its fourth consecutive year of record-breaking construction with 27,684 housing starts, reflecting sustained elevated demand throughout the region.
Community Development Excellence
All five finalists for Canada's Best Growing Community Award are Alberta developments, including:
- Chappelle Gardens in Edmonton (Brookfield Residential)
- Harmony in Calgary (Qualico and Bordeaux Developments)
- Rangeview in Calgary (Section23 Developments)
- University District in Calgary (University of Calgary Properties Group)
- Wildflower in Calgary (Minto Corporate Services)
In the Best New Community category, Calgary's Dawson's Landing from Qualico represents Alberta against competitors from British Columbia and Ontario.
Industry Leadership and Recognition
Calgary builders are leading the provincial charge with 25 companies securing finalist positions. Homes by Avi and Minto have each earned seven finalist spots, while Trico Homes and Ultimate Homes & Renovations have captured five nominations each. The winners will be announced on May 8 during the CHBA's Home Building Week in Canada, held in Quebec City.
This national recognition underscores Alberta's position as a housing construction leader, combining quantitative achievement with qualitative excellence as demonstrated by the overwhelming presence in these prestigious national awards.
